Coffee + Crumbs Podcast

Fear not: this week's episode has nothing to do with screen time dos and don'ts. Instead, join us for a (very) lighthearted chat about our favorite books, podcasts, and TV shows. From how we score affordable books to our individual headphone preferences, today we're discussing when and how we consume different types of media. We're also making quite a few confessions, so feel free to giggle along as we learn who loves to make friends at the library, who's obsessed with polygamist escape memoirs, and which podcast host doesn't really listen to podcasts Don't forget to visit Coffee + Crumbs for our show notes and links to everything we talked about in today's episode! Like what you heard? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Four of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Between the meals and the snacks and the laundry and the messes, some days it's hard to view parenting as anything more than surviving those pre-bedtime hours. But we know parenting is not a short-term gig—we're in this for the long haul. In today's episode, we're chatting with author and speaker Krista Gilbert about how we can maintain our long-term priorities in the immediate chaos of motherhood. From the importance of building trust to keeping a sense of humor, this conversation is full of wisdom and practical tips for keeping the long view of parenting in mind. Plus, Krista shares the magic of "tiny traditions" and gives us insight into the coming-of-age trips she does with her children. Whether your kids are learning how to walk or learning how to use a cell phone, we hope today's conversation encourages you to take a few moments to think about how you can parent for the future, right from the present. Visit Coffee + Crumbs for today's show notes and to find links to everything talked about in today's episode. Like what you heard? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Four of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

In this week's episode, we're talking about all things sibling-related, from managing age gaps to mitigating disagreements. With a collective 10 kids between Indiana, Ashlee, and April—and a whopping FORTY-TWO among the full C+C team—we offer our take on how we foster friendships between our kids without forcing them, and the unexpected moments of joy we find along the way. Don't forget to visit Coffee + Crumbs for our show notes and links to everything we talked about in today's episode! Like what you heard? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Four of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

From fear of awkward small talk to embarrassment about baseboard dust bunnies, most of us have our own hangups around hospitality. And yet, inviting people into our imperfect lives and homes is how we build real, authentic relationships. In this week's episode, we confess to the small stuff we sweat (like the evidence people actually live in our homes) and share how we're learning to roll out the welcome mat anyway. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review here on iTunes! To help fund Season Four of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

With endless time and unlimited budgets, self care becomes pretty easy (hello tropical beach vacation and weekly massages!). But when we're balancing motherhood, marriage, and careers—and our bank account isn't bottomless—how do we make time and give ourselves permission to care for ourselves? This week we're talking about what self care looks like for each of us and how that varies depending on the season of life we're in. April also offers a powerful reminder of the importance of letting our kids see us experience the joyful and delightful parts of life. We hope this conversation leaves you feeling encouraged and empowered to explore what self care looks like for you, whether you have five whole hours a week or just five minutes a day. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review here on iTunes! To help fund Season Four of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

In this week's episode, we're talking labor pains and epidurals, amazing nurses and redemptive birth experiences, as Ashlee and April recount the births of their daughters earlier this year. Grab a coffee (and maybe some headphones for this episode!) and settle in for an honest, funny, and heartfelt chat about the nuts and bolts of bringing a baby into the world. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review here on iTunes! To help fund Season Four of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

From our hospital bag favorites to how we make time for baby-bonding with other children running rampant through the house—in this episode, we're chatting about all things baby prep. Whether you secretly pin nursery decor for months or Amazon Prime a Dock-a-Tot the week before your due date, we hope our conversation today brings some peace (and humor!) to an expectant season. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review here on iTunes! To help fund Season Four of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

We're baaaaack! Today we're kicking off Season Four with an honest conversation about how we can really help the new moms in our lives. From avoiding the "just you wait" dump truck to reading cues on whether your Meal Train recipient wants you to sit and chat or drop the food and leave, consider this episode a crash course in new-mom-awareness. We also talk about the hard work of setting our pride aside and asking for help when we need it. Plus, Indiana and Ashlee confess the moments with new moms they wish they could do over. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Four of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

It's our final episode of 2018, cue the sobs! We're wrapping up season three by answering YOUR questions, ask us anything style. In this extra-long episode, we're talking about everything from how motherhood has shaped our faith to what snacks we indulge in when no one is watching. We also share how we chose our kids' names, how we maintain friendships in this season of life, our favorite feel-good movies, and April spills the details on the book she just finished writing (that's H-O-S-S, if any literary agents are listening). Plus, you'll hear the one thing we all agree we wish we had done more of before having kids. We hope you enjoy this last chat of 2018 as much as we enjoyed recording it. From all of us at Coffee + Crumbs, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today Indiana is chatting with Hunter Beless, creator of the Journeywomen podcast, and Christy Curtis, founder of the Military Moms blog, about life at the intersection of motherhood and the military. From surviving deployments to managing fear and anxiety, Christy and Hunter open up about the challenges and emotions they face as military spouses. They also share how non-military families can love their military friends well and one big thing they'd like civilians to please stop doing. Whether you're a seasoned military mom or a civilian without a clue what life as an enlisted spouse looks like, we hope this episode reminds you of the strength we can all find in community, and grows your empathy for the families serving our country. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

All season we've been sharing our tips, tricks and life hacks in our 'This Is How We Do' episodes. This time around, we're flipping the script and sharing what we DON'T do. From outsourcing grocery shopping to not making the bed to not washing our hair—this conversation is full of confessions about our mothering, home upkeep, school involvement, and everything in between. We hope this episode makes you laugh and gives you a much-needed permission slip to pursue the things you're good at, and let go of all the rest. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Do you ever feel like motherhood has you confined within the four walls of your home, unable to make a difference in the wider world? On today's episode, we're chatting with Osheta Moore— author of "Shalom Sistas: Living Wholeheartedly in a Broken World"—about peacemaking. Is there a better topic to cover the day of midterm elections? Osheta speaks passionately about peacemaking in our everyday lives, encourages us to seek subversive joy in the face of despair, and challenges us to tell better stories about the people who frustrate us. Plus, don't miss her hilarious story about adjusting to the "vehicular Hunger Games" of the school car line and the one uncomplicated question Osheta asks her kids every day to keep their focus on joy. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world, we hope this episode lifts you up and reminds you that you can be a peacemaker right here, right now, right where you are. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered: where did I go? Today we're talking about how our personal style has shifted from pre-kid life to mom life. From getting dressed in the morning to washing our face at night—we're spilling the beans on our makeup, clothing, and skin care must-haves. In this episode, Ashlee divulges which magical perfume earns her compliments from both flight attendants and sandwich shop employees, while Indiana shares a hack for keeping her wardrobe fresh through the holiday season. Plus, April explains why it's necessary to hire a babysitter to go shoe shopping with her husband. Whether your daily uniform is a ponytail and yoga pants or you can't leave the house without a swipe of red lipstick, we hope this lighthearted chat puts a smile on your face and reminds you that you're beautiful inside and out. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today Indiana is chatting with two of her real-life friends about the logistics of being full-time working moms. Jesse Coulter and Akia Ng join us to discuss the tightrope act of daily life, how they juggle childcare drop-offs and pick-ups, what they've had to "let go" of, and more. You'll also hear Jesse share how she prioritizes time with her husband (day dates!) and Akia admits she sometimes has stay-at-home-mom envy. Plus, we hear what moments make it all worthwhile. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Calling all Monica Gellers! From family schedules and laundry to email and to-do lists—today we're sharing the organizational tips and systems that keep our homes running (relatively?) smoothly. In this episode, April shares a smart hack for managing mail (tip: don't let it enter the house!), Ashlee passionately discusses her cutthroat approach to clutter, and Indi is mostly just here to listen and learn. Whether you geek out over a pretty color-coded calendar like April or keep your entire family's schedule in your head like Ashlee, we hope this conversation makes you smile and possibly inspires you to finally tackle that one system in your house that isn't working. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today we're talking about motherhood and work with Noonday Collection founder, Jessica Honegger. Despite the internal grappling she endured while building her company as a young mom, Jessica has learned in recent years to embrace the paradox of "and" instead of "either/or" when it comes to working. She also shares about an aha moment she experienced during an exchange with a stay-at-home mom in the middle of Starbucks. (Indi may or may not have cried.) Whether you work full-time or stay at home or find yourself somewhere in between, we hope this dialogue reminds you there is no one-size-fits-all for mothering, and that all of our unique roles are special and worth celebrating. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today we're pulling back the curtain on how we communicate with our spouses—from arguments to resolutions and everything in between. We're spilling the beans on our silliest recurring fights, how we do (and don't) flirt, and when/how we tackle hard conversations in our homes. Plus, you'll learn our stances on R-rated text messages and why nacho cheese is a surprisingly contentious topic! Whether you've been married for two years or two decades, we hope this conversation makes you smile and reminds you that all of our marriages are a work in progress. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

To wrap up our mini-series on growing your family, today we're talking about infertility with C+C writer Melanie Dale. We discuss how infertility can put pressure on your sex life, the depression Melanie experienced as she was going through fertility treatments, and how she eventually broke through to a healthy place with the help of girlfriends and a counselor. Plus, we hear all about the sperm illustrations in her forthcoming book, Infreakinfertility! For those of you who have walked this road before or are currently walking it now, we hope Melanie's voice gives you hope for the future and possibly helps you find a tiny bit of humor in it along the way. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

With Ashlee and April both being pregnant, we thought it was high time to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of gestating (speaking of ugly—does anyone else hate that word?). Tune in today to hear us discuss everything from first trimester puking to maternity fashion to whether or not it's appropriate to register for your third (or fourth!) baby. You'll also hear a short rant about the awkwardness of prenatal weigh-ins, and find out which host didn't know she was pregnant until she was 18 weeks along. Whether you're in the throes of morning sickness, debating if you can pull off maternity overalls (you so can!), or waddling around three days past your due date—this one goes out to all our fellow pregnant mommas. Growing a human is hard work, and you're doing an awesome job! As always, we hope this conversation fills you up like a coffee date with good girlfriends. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

In part two of our mini-series on growing a family, today we're addressing a side that isn't often discussed publicly: what happens when spouses disagree on whether or not their family is complete? C+C writers Jenn Batchelor and Anna Quinlan join host Indiana Adams for a vulnerable conversation on what it looks like when one spouse wants another baby, and the other doesn't. While we don't have a beautiful bow to wrap up today's episode with, we hope this raw and honest discussion encourages you, especially if you're walking a similar road with your spouse. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Bedtime: the struggle is real. Today we're talking about how we handle the end of the day—who's in charge of the routine, what tricks we use to keep our kids sleeping as long as possible, and what creative stunts our children can be found pulling at the 8pm hour. We all commiserate over sleep deprivation during those newborn months and April shares her personal philosophy on how getting your baby to sleep is kind of like meeting someone's pit bull. We hope this conversation makes you smile and reminds you that you are not alone in your bedtime trials! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

At Coffee + Crumbs, motherhood is what brings us together, but how did we get here? On today's episode, we discuss whether or not we always wanted to be mothers, what those conversations looked like with our partners, and if we're "done" now. You'll learn who used to play pregnancy by stashing pillows under her shirt, who dreams of having a Home Alone sized family around her Thanksgiving table, and who never thought she'd be a mom but had a change of heart. Stick around for a big announcement during the second half of the show … well, a few big announcements, actually! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

While we may still be hitting the pool daily and enjoying ice cream all-too-frequently, we can almost hear the school bus rambling around the corner. Today we're talking about all things back to school: packed lunches, first day of school traditions, the carpool situation, and more! Plus, April shares some tips for getting off to a great start with your child's teacher and it does NOT involve a mason jar (phew!). We also come up with a million dollar business idea so if you'd like to take MUber to Shark Tank on our behalf, please be our guest. We hope this conversation gets you excited for the coming school year and maybe even inspires you to start a new tradition. Don't forget to stay tuned to the very end to hear this week's slow clap from listener MeLoni! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today we're wrapping up our mini-series on how to have important conversations with your kids, and, well, this one is going to make you blush the most because we're talking about SEX. Our guest today is Kristen Crichton, a marriage and family therapist and professor of human sexuality at William Jessup University. Kristen packs a punch in this conversation, reminding us why this dialogue should start at birth—because the greatest enemy of sexual wholeness is silence. Plus, she reminds us that we need to be the ones to tell our kids sex is fun and also teach them to respect Mom and Dad's locked door. We hope you leave this episode feeling empowered to make the most of every opportunity and every curious observation! Remember: if you need to practice saying body parts without blushing or giggling, this makes an excellent Girls Night In. For more on this topic, be sure to head to our shownotes for a comprehensive list of book recommendations from Kristen. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

While our homes may have been overtaken by Cheerios and Legos, we still have dreams of their potential. Today we're talking about all things home decor: how we define our home style, where we like to shop, what room we'd love to make over if we won the lottery, and some of our worst home decorating flops. Plus, Indiana tells us about her prized golden armadillo, and Ashlee shares why she'll never buy another rocking chair off Craigslist. We hope this conversation leaves you feeling inspired to channel your inner Joanna Gaines, right after you make the kids pick up those Legos … again. P.S. Don't forget to head to our website and check out the mood boards we created in the show notes today! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Continuing our mini-series on how to have important conversations with your kids, on today's episode we tackle how to talk about tricky people. Sam Sutherland—a social worker with more than 10 years of experience working with schools and social welfare organizations—joins Indiana and Ashlee to share her expertise on this topic. In this conversation, you'll learn why it's best to use the term "tricky people" over stranger danger, five rules to teach our kids by the time they're five years old, and some general tips for how we can empower our kids to trust their instincts. Plus, we talk about Sam's stance on sleepovers, the difference between secrets and surprises, and why she's never afraid to be the bad guy. We hope you leave this episode feeling equipped to have this conversation with your kids, and possibly implement some new strategies to help keep your family safe. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

To Pinterest or not to Pinterest—that is the question. On today's episode we're talking about all things birthday party! From big themed bashes to simple parties at the park, we cover invitations, menus, gifts and more on this much-requested topic. Plus, Indiana reveals the full name of Chuck E. Cheese (who knew he had a real name?!), and Ashlee goes on an accidental rant about her deep hatred of goody bags. Whether you're an overachiever, underachiever, or fall right in the middle when it comes to birthday parties, remember: all kids really want is cake. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

As part of our debut mini-series on how to have important conversations with your kids, today we're talking all about race. Latasha Morrison, founder of beabridgebuilder.com, joins host Indiana Adams and Coffee + Crumbs writer Melanie Dale to educate us on how to approach this topic with our children, and how to lead by example in the quest for racial unity. Tasha also speaks about the difference between diversity and racial reconciliation, the difference between being color brave and color blind, and how we can equip our children to speak up when they witness an injustice. We hope this dialogue inspires you to start having some conversations about race in your home, if you haven't already. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Join us for today's episode as we reflect on our love/hate relationship with exercise. We may as well have titled this episode, Fitness: This is How We Don't. You'll hear Ashlee share about the first and last Bikram yoga class she ever took, find out the real reason Indiana takes up new exercise hobbies (hint: shoes are involved) and cringe along with us as April shares her horrifying yet hilarious ballet class fail. You may not walk away with many practical tips from this episode, but maybe your abs will get a work out from laughing? We sure hope so. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Let's hear it for the dads! On today's episode, Kevin Madsen (hilarious host of the HeyDad podcast) joins us to talk about all things #dadlife. We discuss the cultural shift taking place in modern day fatherhood, dad stereotypes that drive Kevin nuts, and why men need good friends just like women do. Plus, Kevin shares an encouraging word for women who want to empower their husbands to lean into their roles as fathers. As you know, we only have a man on our show once in a blue moon, so we hope you enjoy this extra-special Father's Day episode! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

On today's episode, we're chatting about all things summer vacation. From flying with babies to surviving epic road trips, we hope this conversation leaves you feeling better equipped next time you head out of town with kiddos in tow. In this episode, Ashlee shares her secret for keeping kids quiet in the car, Indiana reveals her deep-seated love of all things Disney, and everyone has a good laugh over April's travel motto: Eat, Pray, Prime. (As Melanie Shankle would say—put that on a t-shirt.) Happy summer travels! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

On today's episode of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, we approach a topic that every mother has likely faced at some point: loneliness. In this honest conversation, we unpack why motherhood in particular feels so isolating sometimes and ask ourselves, how can we be good friends even when we feel lonely ourselves? Whether you're new to motherhood altogether, or a veteran mom who hasn't found her tribe yet, we hope you can relate to this vulnerable conversation and walk away inspired to put yourself out there. Plus, you'll get to hear how Indiana and Katie (our podcast producer) met over a very glamorous matchmaking scheme in the middle of Costco. If you only get one thing from this episode, let it be this: even in your loneliness, you are not alone. Can you relate to this conversation? Who are the friends that keep this season of motherhood from being lonely for you? Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Ever wonder how other couples manage to have a regular date night once kids enter the picture? Today April, Indiana and Ashlee chat about the complexity of making date night happen with kids running around. You'll hear how the concept of 'date night' has changed from pre-kids to post-kids, how they make childcare work, what makes for a great date, and of course, what makes for a bad one as well. Plus, April shares about her 'stay-in date night clothes' and you'll get to find out what bizarre thing Indiana and her husband did for a cheap night out back in college. Whether your ideal date night includes a four-course meal at a hip restaurant or eating takeout on the couch, we hope you feel encouraged after this episode to plan a date night of your own this month! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

On today's show we talk with proud Texan, veteran blogger and New York Times bestselling author, Melanie Shankle, or as you may know her, Big Mama. Melanie was one of our most requested guests last season so we were thrilled she was able to share her hilarious, raw, and beautiful view of motherhood with us. Find out where the nickname Big Mama comes from, what lie both she and April are guilty of telling their pediatrician, and laugh along with us as we reflect on the myriad mundane moments that make up a life of mothering. Disclaimer: you'll also learn what the tweens today consider "oldies" on their playlists—and it's gonna make you feel old. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

Today we're talking about something close to all of our hearts: the art of gift giving. We share the good, the bad and the downright ugly gifts we've received, and we also share our philosophy on what makes a good gift (hint: it's not about the money). In this episode we offer tips for how to come up with a great gift when you're stumped and we laugh about the curse of being a gift-loving girl married to a man who just doesn't get it. Plus, you'll hear all about that one time Indiana's husband gave her a nose hair trimmer. Join us and laugh along as we unpack the art of giving gifts, Coffee + Crumbs style. P.S. We've linked our favorite gift-giving sources and more gifts we love in the show notes today, so check them out! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

"Exhaustion has become the social norm among busy women. And let's admit the hard truth, we often find ourselves glorifying those busy schedules, giving ourselves a pat on the back when we squeeze one more commitment into an already too-packed day, and admiring others who seem to handle the juggling act as if they were a professional in a three-ring circus." On today's episode Indiana talks with Shaunti Feldhahn, author and social researcher, about her latest research-based book, Finding Rest, and the practices science says we should make a part of our daily lives in order to become more rested women. Listen as they unpack the lie we believe that keeps us from rest and don't miss Shaunti sharing one simple thing that has been scientifically shown to improve 89% of relationships within 30 days ... Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

In today's episode, we're chatting about all things meal planning! Can you guess who geeks out over meal planning, who couldn't get dinner on the table without her kitchen gadgets, and who would rather just serve cereal for dinner?! You'll also hear Indiana show off her French skills and break down what on earth 'sous-vide' means, while April describes her "old school" meal planning techniques. Plus, Ashlee shares about that one time she went to McDonald's in the middle of the night while she was pregnant and destroyed the evidence before crawling back into bed. Whether you're a meal planning pro or cereal enthusiast, we hope you find laughter and grace in our "fed is best" motto for this episode. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

"You don't have to be blooming to be growing." Oh, how encouraged we are by these words from Ruth Chou Simons! On today's episode Indiana and Ashlee chat with Ruth, artist, photographer and mom to six boys, about her initial calling as an artist, her current blossoming career and what life looked like in the waiting in between. We talk about what it looks like to cultivate hope in the midst of the mundane, uncertainty, and creative setbacks. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

What do you do when your baby stops napping? (Tip: cry is not the answer.) In the first of our brand-new "This Is How We Do" episodes, Indiana, April and Ashlee share how they carve out time for themselves each day now that their kids are older. Quiet time, rest time, play-by-yourself-away-from-mommy-time … whatever you call it, this is when momma gets a much-needed break. Plus, you'll learn why Ashlee is still hanging on to her baby gate, why Indiana doesn't keep toys in her kids' rooms, and the magical "adventure treat" April hands out to keep her kids busy. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Three of the Coffee + Crumbs podcast, head on over to our Patreon support page.

When was the last time you and a friend had a conversation that got really vulnerable? Come to think of it, when was the last time you had a conversation with a friend about anything at all?! In today's episode Indiana chats with Jamie Ivey about the necessity of friendship, the value of vulnerability and how to be a "safe person" for others. Tune in to hear what Indiana does to make Jamie (almost) cry and stick around for Jamie's encouraging word for mothers of young children. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

We're baaaaack! In our premiere episode for season three, we're tackling motherhood + social media. Like most things, social media is neutral in and of itself, but it's the way we use it that has the power to build us up or tear us down. This week we're talking about how we use social media as both consumers and creators, why we occasionally take breaks from Instagram, what happens when we compare ourselves to others online, and the pitfalls of seeking validation from strangers. You'll also get to meet our fabulous new podcast host—who, of course!—found out about the job on Instagram. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

It's our final episode in 2017 (sob!) and Lesley has a big announcement to make (more sobs!). This week we're answering YOUR questions. You'll hear us chat about our favorite mom hacks, our favorite beauty products, how we talk to our kids about faith, and how we deal with rough toddler transitions. We also tackle mom guilt, sleep training, and picky eating. Oh, and April gets a serious case of the giggles when Ashlee confesses how many times she's joined and quit the gym. This episode is extra long, and we hope it tides you over until we return next year! Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

Christmas is around the corner and we are determined to enjoy the season. In this episode we talk with Alex Kuykendall about her new book, Loving My Actual Christmas. You'll hear us discuss how to fall in love with the season again, reflecting on themes of advent—hope, love, joy and peace—plus, practical advice on common Christmas stressors such as finances, schedules and extended family. We hope you'll finish this episode with the encouragement to go easy on yourself, remember what truly matters, and find joy in your own imperfect Christmas. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

In this episode Lesley chats with Sharon Hodde Miller about her new book, Free of Me: Why Life is Better When It's Not About You. We talk about insecurity—including our struggles with measuring ourselves against other women, the perils of image management, and what happens when we make parenting all about us. But it's not all deep and heavy! Sharon also tells a story about a fun surprise her husband recently planned for their anniversary and we discuss the classic 90's film She's All That. While we continue to live in a self-focused culture, we hope this paradigm-shifting message encourages you and challenges you in all the right ways. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

Making baby books, creating photos albums, and keeping track of hundreds of family videos is enough to make any momma break out in hives! This week we're talking about allllll the ways to keep track of your family memories with easy, creative ideas for every personality type. From our favorite brands and products to technical logistics, we'll help you make a plan for storing and displaying all the beautiful memories you make each year. Plus, Ashlee gives a Christmas card photo pep talk, and April asks if she should make her kids a Powerpoint. Don't worry—we talked her out of that idea. Join us for a fun (and practical!) episode on how to preserve memories while also preserving your sanity. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

When a family learns their child has a disability, the road ahead is often filled with many questions, pain and unknowns. In this episode, Lesley chats with two very special mamas about their very special kids. Katie Blackburn (a listener favorite and our first returning guest!) is back sharing about her son's recent autism diagnosis along with Regina Robinson, mama to four children including a son with Down Syndrome. We encourage all women to listen to this episode with a pen in hand, ready to learn how to navigate the waters of a new diagnosis, or, to simply discover how to encourage the families at your playgrounds and churches who need friends in their journey. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

It's a decision every woman makes at some point in her motherhood journey: will she stay home, work part-time, juggle an at-home business, or work full-time? For some the decision is obvious; for others, it's a series of fluctuating factors. In this special ad-free episode, we are getting real honest about the joys and struggles of pursuing part-time work while raising young children. We discuss all that went into our decisions, things we didn't consider but wished we had, and the pros and cons of working from home. No matter where you fall on the spectrum—stay-at-home mom, full-time working mom, or somewhere in between—we hope you'll feel encouraged by this conversation and remember that God has a unique plan for your life and family. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

In this episode we're talking to three mothers about their different educational values and choices. From a public Spanish immersion school to Charlotte Mason homeschooling to a classical style private school, you'll hear how each family landed on their respective choices, what they love about their schools, and some of the things to consider as you wrestle with options for your own family—including how faith can play a role in that decision. We hope this episode leaves you feeling encouraged and empowered, better understanding the choices other mothers make and the beauty that comes with every option. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

If you've been a mom longer than 24 hours (or should we say 24 minutes?), you know there's no room for perfectionism when it comes to parenting. So why do most of us still hold ourselves to unrealistic standards? In this episode, we talk with recovering perfectionist, Sarah R. Bagley, about how children have changed our "good enough" meters. We also talk about what the weight of control feels like physically, how to avoid passing the perfectionism gene to our kids, and our advice for new moms who are worried they're not getting it right (Sarah may have made us cry with that one!). Plus, Lesley gives Ashlee a lunch box hack that's changing her morning routine for the better. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.

Life is messy. We know this. But women––ordinary, everyday women––have never been braver, stronger, or more self-empowered. We are, as Jen Hatmaker says, bringing moxie back. In this episode we get to chat with one of our favorite women on the planet about her new book "Of Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild And Glorious Life." With her classic humor and warmth, Jen gives us the pep talk we didn't even know we needed—permission to leave our mom guilt behind, chase our God-given talents, and 'feel our feelings' whether we're sending kids off to kindergarten or college this fall. Plus, because we couldn't resist, we also ask her about incredibly important things like fashion, Whole30 and This Is Us. Like what you heard? Visit coffeeandcrumbs.net for more inspiration on your motherhood journey. And, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review on iTunes! To help fund Season Two of the Coffee + Crumbs Podcast, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page.