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On today’s episode we’re talking about the gracious art of caring for those we know and love…and specifically, how to do it when they’re sick. Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we chat about how to be the perfect source of support, caregiving, and encouragement with guest Lee Cordon from the fantastic etiquette blog: Do-Say-Give. This episode is packed with useful ideas and guidelines to help navigate what can be challenging situations.  We’ll discuss what to say and what not to say, gifts for children in the hospital, how to truly make life easier for our friends and family, and ways to perk up those hard working hospital employees! SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: PEACOCK ALLEY   Hey Home Hour Listeners! If this episode has inspired you to purchase something lovely for a sick friend, or perhaps you are in the market for a little upgrade to your linen closet, then you must visit  Peacock Alley! Peacock Alley is our go-to site for gorgeous luxury bedding, bath basics, and fine linens. We love the that you can layer differen

On today’s episode, we’re chatting all about neighborhoods! Join hosts Kirsten & Graham as we discuss what each of our neighborhoods are really like, how much we actually interact with our neighbors, and what does it mean to be a good neighbor anyway? Plus, we dive into the truth about neighbor shaming, caring for elderly neighbors, neighbors who put their beliefs and resumes on the front lawn, stealing the neighbors’ trash from their alleys, and how one legendary Molotov Cocktail forever changed our opinions about “Drinks with the Neighbors.” SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: PEACOCK ALLEY   Hey Home Hour Listeners! If you are in the market for a little upgrade to your linen closet, then you have to check out Peacock Alley! Peacock Alley is our go-to site for gorgeous luxury bedding, bath basics, and fine linens. We love the that you can layer different styles to create your own unique bedroom oasis and that the sheets get softer with every wash!  We also love that many of their products can be personalized with beautiful,

On today’s episode we’re packing the suitcases, while trying not to pack on the pounds! Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we chat about upcoming summer travel and how we can best prepare to hit the road and keep ourselves healthy. From convention strategies to kids’ meal makeovers, we’re talking to registered dietician, author, blogger, and podcaster, Liz Weiss, of Liz’s Healthy Table to learn how to plan for healthy eating while traveling! We’ll also give you a peek into Birmingham’s award-winning restaurant scene and the fun weekend we just spent together at Mom 2.0. Sponsor Spotlight: Epic   We at the Home Hour are loving Epic! Epic! has a huge library of more than 25,000 high-quality, popular children’s books, videos, quizzes and more — for kids in grades K-6.  It’s basically screen time that’s not really screen time!  Epic! is personalized for each child based on reading level and interests. If you have multiple children, they’ll each get their own “profile” that tracks their reading, recommends books app

I didn’t marry my best friend. But my best friend was there. She was a bridesmaid standing right next to me!  It seems like you can’t scroll through Instagram these days without seeing a cute throwback wedding photo and a caption celebrating the anniversary of “The day I married my best friend!” Is this just something women say? Or are their husbands really their best friends? And should they be? On today’s episode of The Home Hour, join hosts Graham and Kirsten as we talk about how we’re best friends, how the men we’re very happily married to our not our best friends, and why we think that is just fine!  Sponsor Spotlight: Care.com Care.com is the easy and reliable way to find care for everyone in the family—when and where you need it. With access to 8.6 million caregivers across 16 countries, Care.com is the world’s largest digital marketplace for care. So you’re sure to find the local caregivers you need, including nannies, sitters, housekeepers, senior care, dog walkers and more—full-time, part-time, anyt

Today on the Home Hour, we’re going back to our design roots and talking about turning our houses into homes we LOVE to live in.  Join hosts Kirsten & Graham as we chat all about making big, bold design choices with interior designer and Bossy Color Founder: Annie Elliot. From decorating kids’ spaces, to understanding lighting, to finding perfect paint colors; this episode is full of laughs, practical advice, and honest answers about how we really live. “Your house has to feel like you and make you happy- not bum you out! So let’s talk about how to make it yours!” ~Annie Elliott Sponsor Spotlight: The “What’s for dinner?” question is not going away anytime soon, which means dinner time can be stressful in our homes! But things may be looking up! We would LOVE to introduce you to our favorite solution: Prep Dish! Prep Dish is a healthy subscription-based meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. After

Today on the Home Hour, we’re celebrating one year of podcasting! WooHoo! Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we take a look back at all we’ve learned in a year and all the ways The Home Hour has inspired us to live better! From the guests that surprised us, to the products we’ve tried, to the changes we’ve made in our own homes, we talk about all the good, all the bad, and even the hate mail that can come out of one year. Plus, after many requests from listeners, we share our thoughts on our most talked about interview to date: Penelope Trunk! Sponsor Spotlight: We all know dinner time can be absolutely crazy. And as we’ve discussed all year, the question of “What’s for dinner?” is not going away anytime soon: Enter our new favorite solution: Prep Dish! Prep Dish is a healthy subscription-based meal planning service. When you sign up, you’ll receive an email every week with a grocery list and instructions for prepping your meals ahead of time. After only 1-3 hours of prepping on the weekend, you’ll have all of

On today’s episode, we’re scratching into the world of backyard chickens! Join hosts Kirsten & Graham as they chat with Debbie Williamson Smith, owner of Fuster Cluck Farms and expert on all things chicken raising!  Debbie discusses where to start, where you’ll likely go overboard, and all the reasons why the joys raising backyard chickens may outnumber the eggs they produce. Plus, we learn all about chicken owners who secretly eat KFC, footwear for chickens (it’s a thing?) and whether or not it’s okay to eat an egg salad sandwich on a plane. To learn more about Fuster Cluck Farms, follow Debbie on Instagram & Facebook.   The post Backyard Chickens: What a Fuster Cluck!: The Home Hour, Episode 115 appeared first on Life, Listened..

Spring is HERE and we’re celebrating with our first ever Podcast Hop! Join hosts Kirsten & Graham as we chat about what we cook, where we travel, and what we’re doing in our houses to celebrate the arrival of our favorite season.  We’ll discuss spring holidays, spring meals, & spring cleaning. We’ll also touch upon spring chickens, slinkies, scurvy, and Kirsten’s first language!  But… most importantly, we’ve gotten together with a few other fabulous podcasters and we’ve all agreed to take on the same topic, interpret it however we like, and release all of our episodes this week. We’ll be hearing from  North South Makers, Shailey & Katie, & Style Matters to see how they finish the sentence:  “Spring is… ” Follow the below links to all of these shows. We think you’re going to be very happy that we’ve introduced you to more podcasts for your binge listening pleasure!   North South Makers: “We’re design bloggers, friends, and moms. We talk about all things DIY and making… and a little bit of momming. We believe i

Here comes the bride! Fifteen years later…with a broken can opener! Today on The Home Hour, we’re taking a look back at the wedding registries we created years ago! Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we chat about what happened to all that loot we acquired, what we regret asking for, what we still love and use today, and how everything looks after over a decade of wear and tear! We also fantasize over the exciting imaginary question: what would we ask for if we could register today?  Sponsor Spotlight: KIND Snack Club Hey Home Hour listeners, don’t you just wish you could have added KIND Bars to your registry? We know you see them everywhere– your local grocery store, coffee shop or gym.  KIND Snacks are a favorite of Graham and Kirsten because they make delicious, healthy snacks using whole ingredients you can recognize and pronounce. We love them! Our kids love them! What’s not to LOVE!  Well, if you’re ready to try some tasty AND healthy snacks, we’ve got a special deal for you! Home Hour listeners, can try

Buckle up everybody because today’s episode is fast and furious!  We’re checking niceties and political correctness at the door and talking with one of the world’s most outspoken career coaches, the one and only Penelope Trunk. Join hosts Kirsten & Graham as we talk with Penelope about women and work, why video games may be better than books, and why Penelope told us we should spend more time playing tennis. Sponsor Spotlight: Princeton Review! In our house, evenings can be crazy and homework can be a big source of stress for our family!  While we both want to be “that mom” who is always available for homework help, the reality is that we’re often not available to help or we’re just not the ones who our kids are willing to learn from.  Enter Homework Help from The Princeton Review on-demand tutoring that matches kids with a tutor in under a minute. This is a lifesaver for busy parents! AND… Princeton Review has an amazing deal going. Home Hour listeners are able to try their tutoring service AT ZERO COST!!! J

What’s going on with you? No really, what’s up? Today on The Home Hour we’re talking about what’s happening RIGHT NOW in our world, our country, our states, our cities and towns, our neighborhoods,…and of course, in our own homes. Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we chat about everything from world events like the drought in Cape Town to what’s being served up at our neighborhood restaurants. We start big then go small, and really dive in to what’s going on in our world. Plus, why Kirsten’s town in littered with lime colored bicycles, why Graham’s city is litter free thanks to the mysterious CLAW, and why Graham thinks Bridge may be making a comeback. (Yes – the card game!)    Sponsor Spotlight: Princeton Review! In our house, evenings can be crazy and homework can be a big source of stress for our family!  While we both want to be “that mom” who is always available for homework help, the reality is that we’re often not available to help or we’re just not the ones who our kids are willing to learn from.  Ente

On today’s episode, we’re getting back to the heart of our show and focusing on creating beautiful spaces.  Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we chat with One King Lane senior buyer, Rachel Gerli, about online shopping for all things home!  We’re talking about how to create your own signature look in your home, which trends to be on the lookout for, and how to get the most bang for your buck when shopping for your house! Plus a spirited conversation about houseplants, an unedited look at Graham’s favorite coffee table accessories, and Kirsten’s continued devotion to all things brass.    Links we mentioned on the show: One Kings Lane Aquazzura for De Gournay   Sponsor Spotlight: As busy parents, Kirsten & Graham are always looking for ways kids can use their creativity and their own two hands — without needing our direct supervision or help!  Annie’s Kit Clubs are a great solution for sick days, snow days, or when it’s time to shut down the devices!   These high quality kits arrive every 4-6 weeks with the mate

Today we’re talking birth trauma and gardening… we know it sounds crazy, but stick with us, it will all become clear. On this episode, we’re introducing you to a very special friend of the Home Hour, Caroline Malatesta, whose lawsuit made national headlines and is changing the way we look at childbirth. Join hosts Kirsten & Graham as we dig into Caroline’s incredible story of pain, fighting for justice, and how her decision to start a garden not only changed her yard,  but her entire outlook on life! We hope that this episode inspires our listeners and reminds us all that healing can be found in all different places. Read more about Caroline’s Story on Birth Monopoly.    Sponsor Spotlight: Annie’s Kit Clubs!     As busy parents, Kirsten & Graham are always looking for ways kids can use their creativity and their own two hands — without needing our direct supervision or help. Annie’s Kit Clubs are a great solution for stuck-inside winter days, sick days, or when it’s time to shut off the screens.  Kits arrive

It may be the day after Valentine’s Day but love is still in the air on The Home Hour! We’re wrapping up our Valentines month series with a frank conversation about why one of the least discussed elements of a happy home is also one of the most important. On today’s episode, hosts Kirsten and Graham are joined by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Megan Fleming to discuss what it takes to have a happy sex life and why it’s so important. Dr. Megan Fleming has  been practicing sex therapy and marriage counseling in New York City for 15 years. To learn more about Dr. Megan Flemming and the many wonderful resources she offers,  please visit her website Great Life; Great Sex. Sponsor Spotlight: KIND Bars! Hey Home Hour listeners, have you ever tried a KIND Bar? (or are you already HUGE FANS like we are?) They make delicious, healthy snacks using whole ingredients you can recognize and pronounce. Well, if you’re ready to try some tasty AND healthy snacks, we’ve got a special deal for you! Home Hour listeners, can t

It’s February! Love is in the air and we’re continuing our Valentine’s series by asking “What do MEN really want when it comes to their homes?” We’ve enlisted the help of friends all over the country to do some research for the Home Hour by taking our questions home to their husbands. Now, we’re here to report what the other sex is thinking when it comes to real estate, home decor, chores around the house, and entertaining at home!  From garages to man caves, grills to walking trails, superbowl parties to piano-side karaoke,  we give you the scoop on all things domestic from a male perspective!  …And in case you wanted to ask your own husband what he’s thinking, here are the questions we asked: What do you envision coming home to when you walk in the door at the end of the day? What is your expectation/picture of the “perfect” home? What kind of parties do guys like to throw at their houses?  What does your ideal party/event look like? What are the things you most wish you had in your home? What is your favor

It’s February and we’re celebrating Valentines Day all month long with a special three-part Valentine’s series all about, love, sex, relationships and trying to understand what men want anyway? On today’s episode we’re taking the bedroom into the kitchen with a chat about Aphrodisiac Cooking. Kirsten and Graham are joined by author and aphrodisiac food expert, Amy Reiley to discuss how we can heat up our cooking and our love lives! This episode is full of practical ways to include libido-enhancing foods in your meal planning and a historical explanation of how certain foods came to be thought of as aphrodisiacs. Amy Reiley is the author of several books including Fork Me, Spoon Me, Romancing the Stove, and Eat Cake Naked. Recipes we mentioned on this show: Chocolate Smothered Brie from Fork Me, Spoon Me: the sensual cookbook by Amy Reiley 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced   1 1/2 t butter   1 1/2 c dark chocolate chips   1/2 c heavy cream   6 oz wedge of ripe brie   1 pint strawberries, washed with stems on   1/

We talk a lot on the Home Hour about organizing and decluttering and we agree that purging our homes is HARD! What if we need it someday? What if we regret getting rid of it? It cost so much to purchase! What if? What if? What if? But if we think it’s hard to part with our own stuff, how much harder is it to discard other people’s stuff? This episode is all about what to do with the hand-me-downs currently in your home and through it all we’re going to be looking at our things knowing that one day “our stuff” may become someone else’s “other people’s stuff”. Do we care if people keep it? Do we have things we really want others to have? We also talk about what to do, in very practical ways, to deal with the “stuff” left behind when a loved one passes Plus, family drama over mattresses, Graham’s distrust of her future daughters- in-law, and how we plan to recreate the Golden Girls in our real life retirements! Here’s a great article from Houzz on cleaning vs reupholstering vs replacing old furniture:  Sponsor S

“Hey Beautiful!” Yeah, we’re talking to you! We spend a lot of time discussing how to take care of our homes and make them look their best, but today we’re putting all that aside and focusing on the lady who actually lives there! On this episode of the Home Hour, we’re getting real about beauty and what it takes to keep looking good as aging, busy moms— and we get very honest! Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we chat with beauty expert Kathleen Jennings about her favorite products and devices to get gorgeous! We’ll hear what products are worth the splurge and where she saves money; as well as what are the best med-spa treatments and what we can do ourselves at home for less. Plus, The Great Botox Confession, the fear of developing Real-Housewife-Plastic-Surgery-Face, life-changing sheet masks under $2, and why no one “just woke up like this!” Keep Reading for all her favorite product recommendations and be sure to follow her on Instagram for more great advice!   I DIDN’T just “Wake up like this!” Keeping it R

Do you ever look back at your week and wonder how it shaped up the way it did? Does your calendar schedule send you into a tailspin?  This week on the Home Hour, we’re continuing our quest to make 2018 our best year yet and we’re sharing our tips and tricks for maintaining order in the busy world of home management. We’ve found that a carefully planned day puts us on a path to sanity and a more cohesive week.  Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we discuss what strategies are working for us, where we’re falling behind, and our time management goals for the new year!  Plus we debate over paper vs electronic calendar, how we coordinate our to-do lists and calendars with our husbands, and Kirsten’s love for systems and white boards! Links We Mentioned in The Show: The Miracle Morning Book by Hal Elrod Make Your Bed Book  by Admiral William McRaven Trello Boards for Moms – Great Article!  SURVEY SAYS….. Hey Home Hour listeners, we would LOVE your feedback to make the Home Hour even better! Please Click HERE to take

It’s a new year at the Life Listened Network and we’re trying to make 2018 the best year ever! Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we devote the entire month to improving our lives, our homes, and ourselves… one week at a time. On this episode of the Home Hour, we dive right into a topic that touches every area of our lives and our families: BUDGETING!!! We sit down with America’s Cheapest Family, The Economides, to talk about why a budget is so important, how get ourselves in the right place mentally to plan a budget, practical ways to execute your budget, and how to keep life fun without breaking your budget.   Steve & Annette Economides are NY Times Best Selling Authors, parents of five grown children, and Family Finance Experts. They are passionate about living the frugal lifestyle and sharing the fun, laughter, and freedom they’ve experienced. This has led them to write three books: America’s Cheapest Family gets You Right on the Money; Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half; The MoneySmart Family System – Teaching