Welcome Home

It’s a big day on Welcome Home!  Not only are we hosting a Podcast Hop with two of our favorite podcasts, but we’re talking about the most gracious holiday of the year, Thanksgiving!  It’s the season for hosting, family, great food, gratitude, and creating family traditions that will last a lifetime.   Plus the great faceoff of the holiday: It's Seafood Buffets vs.Turkey and Stuffing, why the Westminster Dog Show is on Graham’s must see TV list, the most confusing I-Tunes review we’ve had to date, and a lot of unexpected talk about chicken fat.  Welcome to The Best Thanksgiving EVER! Show's we HOPPED with: Desiare Endres from Minimalism Minimalish Podcast   Desiare Endres from Minimalism Minimalish Podcast   Karen Lock Kolp from We Turned Out Okay We Turned out Okay Podcast  Links We Mentioned: Good Housekeeping's Article   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: STITCH FIX KIDS Stitch Fix Kids is an online personal styling service for your kids that delivers childrens clothes, shoes, and accessories directly t

Today on Welcome Home we’re waiving the magic wand and giving everyone “Permission”  We're having a fun talk about a serious topic: Being Who You Were Made to Be and Letting Go of the Rest!  Join hosts Kirsten and Graham as we chat with out new friend Melissa Camara Wilkins about ditching the pressure to fit in, measure up, and have it all together.  We’ll discuss wearing jeans to a yoga class, why “I have other gifts!” should replace “I'm the Worst!” as your inner mantra and exactly how are do Graham and Kirsten make a vegetarian talk about bacon? Hint: It’s much longer than we should have!  All that and more on today’s episode of Welcome Home!  “You don’t need a special pass to be yourself--you can just choose” Click to take the  Permission Personality Quiz! SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: NATIVE DEODORANT Native creates safe, simple, effective products with trusted ingredients and trusted performance. Not convinced? Check out the 7,000 5-star reviews from their customers. Their products are formulated without al

LOOK OUT! Today on Welcome Home ... there's danger ahead!  Want to be a cool boy mom? Want to learn how to make the world’s best paper airplanes? Make something explode? Pick a lock? Life skills, baby. We’re all about the life skills! We’re talking with International Man of Mystery and Danger, Conn Iggulden about the book that every boy needs on their nightstand now: The Double Dangerous Book for Boys.  Plus, how many syllables does Graham’s name really have? Why Kirsten is not signing up for the Tour De France, and why a lasagna waiting in your fridge may just be the secret to happiness!  SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: STITCH FIX KIDS Kids are individuals, so why would we put them all in the same clothes? Help your child look their best, express their style, and stand taller with Stitch Fix Kids. When your kid looks good, they feel good. Stitch Fix gives you quality you can feel, and style your child will love. Stitch Fix Kids is an online personal styling service for your kids that delivers childrens clothe

Today’s episode can be summed up in one word: CREEPY! We’re chatting about October, otherwise known as our favorite month of the year, with the best halloween expert we could find: Graham. We’ll also talk about why this year was extra special because it included Kirsten’s amazing trip to Birmingham to visit Graham! Join Graham and Kirsten as we dig into which costumes are hot this year and which Halloween movies make our all time favorites list. Plus, how the “hands free” movement is not just for cell phones, a surprise school night soiree for a stranger, and why we believe that  if you plan to attend an Alabama Bigfoot seminar, it’s polite to at minimum, order a coca-cola. All that and more on today’s creepy episode of Welcome Home! Links we mentioned on the show: https://www.glamour.com/story/most-searched-halloween-costumes-2019 https://www.countryliving.com/life/entertainment/g3624/best-halloween-movies/ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/a28121259/pop-culture-halloween-costumes-2019

Today on Welcome Home we’ll talk a little bit about manners, a LOT about international protocol, and a whole bunch of what we do in America that is confusing to the rest of the world. Is it cool to walk the streets with a latte? What about ordering your dinner with extra salt? And how about riding shotgun in a taxi?  You’ll find out what’s hot and what’s NOT around the globe!   Plus, why the World Series may have baseball fans living a lie, go-to karaoke song ideas, and why we’re serving dinner on our salad plates.  All that and more on today’s episode of Welcome Home.  Much of our source material came from this excellent article we enjoyed in Redbook Magazine. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: BetterHelp Is there something that interferes with your happiness or is preventing you from achieving your goals? BetterHelp online counseling is there for you. With BetterHelp you can get help on your own time and at your own pace through secure, confidential video or phone sessions. BetterHelp has 3000 US Licensed the

Today on Welcome Home, we’re stepping into the kitchen, dusting off our aprons, and getting to work--- all in the name of showing love and building community. Whether it’s new babies, new homes, dealing with illness, or even grieving the death of a loved one, one of the most powerful and restorative ways to serve the people in our lives is to bring food made by our own hands.   On today’s episode we’re chatting with Janet Reich Elsbach, home cook and author of “Extra Helping” Recipes for Caring, Connecting, and Building Community One Dish at a Time. Plus, why sad people like to nibble, Kirsten’s gross love of cola bottle gummies, and the time a homemade lasagna was served with boxer shorts and a teacup.  All that and more on this week’s episode of Welcome Home.    SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: AUDIBLE ESCAPE Audible Escape is a monthly subscription that provides unlimited listening to thousands of love stories. This package includes more than 18,000 titles by best-selling and beloved romance authors. Fan fav

On today’episode, we’re feeling all back-to-school-ish and talking about the small and big things we do --and the things we want to do!-- to make our weeks run more smoothly.  We'll chat about what we've learned about guarding our time, preplanning our mornings, scheduling our weeks, clearing up head space, and communicating with our spouses. Plus, Lisa Frank vs. JoJo Siwa, why Kirsten's household loves "Sunday no-Funday", how the Graham is the MacGaver of toothpicks, and why laundromats aren’t just for people without washing machines! All that and more on today’s episode of Welcome Home.   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: PLANT PACKAGE Plant Package subscriptions make gardening easy by delivering plants, pots, and soil right to your doorstep.  In each themed box, they send you everything you need to create a beautiful potted arrangement – four fully-grown plants ranging from flowers and foliage to herbs and fruits, a pot, the right amount of soil, nutrients, and if you want – a cool accessory. You just assemble w

On today’s episode, we’re getting all “science-y” and debunking some widely held medical and household beliefs.   We’ll examine a long list of remedies, cures, and practices we're using that might have absolutely NO scientific bearing on our lives.What’s a time tested truth and what’s an old wives tale? ...And then we'll also just debate some other things we're not quite sure we believe. Plus, what we’ve learned from British pen-pals, what Cinderella really thought about sensible footwear, Kirsten’s obsession with daily step counts, and Graham’s steadfast, lifelong commitment to lucky pennies.  All that and more on this week’s episode of Welcome Home! Links we mentioned on the show: Separating Medical Fact from Fiction: 10 medical myths that have been debunked Fact or Fiction: A dossier on Old Beliefs that Die Hard 25 Crazy old Wives Tales People Still Believe   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: THE CITIZENRY The Citizenry is a socially conscious home décor brand bringing time-tested craftsmanship to the modern home.

It seems like everyone is talking about their Enneagram number. But we really had no idea what the Enneagram was or why any of this mattered anyway? But fear not friends! Because today on Welcome Home, we’re bringing in an expert and we’re taking a stab at the baffling world of the Enneagram.   Join us as we chat with Certified Enneagram Coach, Lindsey Bailey, who helps us dig into our personality types and help you figure out yours.  Plus, driving and honking in New York City, why sitters always drive us crazy (no, we’re not talking about babysitters) and why we’ve now had an expert confirm that we’re perfect partners.  Links we mentioned on the show... https://www.enneagramspectrum.com/testing/ https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://ianmorgancron.com/assessment https://www.truity.com/view/personality-test-finder To find out more about Lindsey, follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enneagram_joy/ SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: CARE/OF Care/of is a subscription service that delivers vitami

WHAT?? OMG! FOR REAL? HOW THE HECK DID WE MISS THAT? Today on Welcome Home, we’re diving into all the things we think our kids should be able to do... and we’re going way beyond shoe tying, swimming and reading! We’ve made a long list of skills we think all kids should know how to do. We’re just not sure who’s actually teaching these things? Plus, we’ll discuss Kirsten’s revolutionary new egg cooking method, Graham’s dad's raw meat obsession, and how Kirsten’s kiddos are clearly closet pyromaniacs…  (But they're not! And good luck to anyone hoping Graham's kids can start a campfire!) All that and more, on this week’s episode of Welcome Home.  Special Bonus:  We've had lots of requests for a show or tips for gardeners so at the end of this episode, we have a special treat for our listeners. Ben Hale from the Easy Living Yards Podcast will have a quick 3 minute segment full of tips for great and easy yard care. You can learn more about Ben at his website: www.EasyLivingYards.com  Thanks Ben! SPONSOR SPOTLI

On today’s episode we’re talking to the grandfather of luxury and the man who set the gold standard for treating people like royalty, the founder of the famed Ritz Carlton Hotels, Horst Shulze. We’ll discuss why a business book on hospitality might just be the greatest etiquette book ever written, and how it’s impossibly difficult to get thrown out of a Ritz Carlton.   Plus the real story on hotel key cards, making the daily decision to love your spouse, and in depth look why a hotel tycoon is the unsung hero of everyone’s favorite chicken sandwich.  For those who enjoyed this interview and would like to learn more, we highly recommend Horst Shulze's new book; Excellence Wins.    SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: PLANT PACKAGE Plant Package subscriptions make gardening easy by delivering plants, pots, and soil right to your doorstep.  In each themed box, they send you everything you need to create a beautiful potted arrangement – four fully-grown plants ranging from flowers and foliage to herbs and fruits, a pot,

Today on Welcome Home, we’re revisiting one of our most talked about episodes, meal planning! By the end of this episode, you’ll be well on your way to creating a system that will not only save countless hours, and dollars, but have you entertaining like a pro at the drop of a hat. We’ll dig into the specifics of Graham’s magical meal binder that has worked for her for almost a decade and we’ll chat about what go-to-dinners we’re loving now. Plus why Walmart has become the new Neiman Marcus, Kirsten’s true feelings about Salmon, and-- right in time for the 4th of July- -our shared moral dilemma over mini-American Flags. Recipe for OUR FAVORITE Grilled Chicken Marinade: 6 T Mayonnaise 3 T Apple Cider Vinegar 3 T Lemon Juice 1 T Salt 1/2 T Pepper 2 T Sugar Mix all together and pour over 8-10 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise to make thinner. Marinate 1-12 hours, then grill Thanks to Anita Barnes for the Wonderful Recipe!   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: ANA LUISA Ana Luisa brings

On today’s episode we’re helping you pack up, say goodbye, and start life afresh--it’s our HOW TO MOVE WELL EPISODE!   We’ll offer tips and tricks on hitting the ground running, and a few what not to do’s as well! Plus... luxurious 90’s bedrooms, why house arrest may be the ultimate form of self care, and what may just be the best new potluck party theme idea we’ve ever heard of. This episode was inspired by a question from a listener:  “We are a military family who moves every 2-3 years. We are preparing for a move. In order to celebrate our time in this current location as well as to honor the friendships we've made, we plan to throw ourselves a "Goodbye Party." This will also be an efficient way to say goodbye to many people at one time. We've found when we move, it is such a busy time, we do not always have time for one-on-ones with individuals. My question is: how do I word all this on an invitation? It feels awkward to call this a GoodBye party since we are hosting it ourselves! But that is what it

On today’s episode, we’re stamping our passports, letting our imaginations run wild, and talking all about travel! Crystal clear Caribbean waters you never knew were so close, Balineasian rice patties, and Embassy Suites for three day weekends! From last minute travel to trips planned years in advance we're talking about everything from real life concerns when traveling with kids to which fantasy vacations we've been dreaming of!  We're asking a travel expert  Beth Flowers of Brownell Travel to share her thoughts on where to take our families for our next trip. Plus how Game of Thrones is inspiring vacationers all over the world, why a British toy store tops both our kids’ lists of favorite travel memories, and why Kirsten wears the training bra of travel. All that and more on this week’s episode of Welcome Home   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: CARBONA Carbona is a household brand that’s been helping people live a life unstained for more than a century (how’s that for experience!?).  They are whole-heartedly obses

On today’s episode, we’re talking spring cleaning! But don’t worry, there is not a broom or mop in sight! Instead, we’re chatting about a few things that we think have passed their prime and need to be kicked to the curb.   Will you agree with us?  Do you have a list of your own?  What are you just so OVER? Plus...Why Cracker Barrel is the Neiman Marcus of country cooking,  the truth about whether Graham is really over her obsession with Suze Orman, and a serious look at all things bacon. All that and more on this week’s episode of Welcome Home.   This episode is based on the Washington Post's Annual Spring Cleaning Article.   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: AURA FRAMES Aura makes gorgeous, living room-worthy frames and was picked as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2018, which is 2nd time on the list (2016)! The frames feature ultra high definition display; it's the best screen resolution on the market! You'll also receive unlimited free photo storage, so you never run out of space. The frame utilizes a free, ea

On today’s episode, we’re talking with the one and only Ty Pennington about his new show, new book, and why America is so enamored with DIY and home renovation. We’ll take you behind the scenes of Extreme Makeover Home Edition and talk about why getting to help real life families in need might just be the greatest job in the whole world! Plus, what it takes to be the Christopher Columbus of the Television DIY Movement, why building someone a coffin may just land you your dream job and the truth about what really happens in 48 hours on Trading Spaces. Sponsor Spotlight: Green Chef Green Chef is a USDA certified organic company that includes everything you need to easily cook delicious meals that you can feel good about. Meals plans include: Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Heart Smart, Lean & Clean, Keto, Gluten-Free, and Omnivore so there is certain to be a plan that works perfectly for your family. Let Green Chef do the meal planning, grocery shopping, and most of the prep for you w

On today’s episode, we’re digging into our 20 year friendship and talking about how we’re so alike and all the ways we’re different. From daily routines, to our favorite foods, to our most likely fashion and style choices, we’re chatting today about  how best friends can be so similar… yet shockingly different. Plus, how this podcast made a difference in a local town council, why Graham doesn’t bother to fight with Kirsten, and the number one quality we’re looking for when hunting for friends. All that and more on this week's episode. SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: AURA FRAMES Aura makes gorgeous, living room-worthy frames and was picked as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2018, which is 2nd time on the list (2016)! The frames feature ultra high definition display; it's the best screen resolution on the market! You'll also receive unlimited free photo storage, so you never run out of space. The frame utilizes a free, easy-to-use app. Simply choose your photos and they'll appear on your frame like magic, wherever it

On today’s episode we’re asking the big questions about what gives us purpose and how we can start  taking small steps towards turning our passions into realities! Join hosts Kirsten & Graham as we chat with fellow mom, life coach, and all around smart lady, Alexandra Terhalle about how we can discover what we really want to do with our lives and how to go after it. Alexandra coaches clients online virtually around the globe via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, etc. and offers complimentary sessions so that people may  learn a bit more and experience coaching for themselves!  She is also offering a free 45 minute session for our listeners with the code WELCOMEHOME when you book an appointment online! If you would like to reach Alexandra, shoot her an email coach@AlexandraTerhalle.com.   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Buffy makes comforters that are better for you and the earth, using skin-friendly eucalyptus fabric and fluffy fill made from 100% recycled water bottles. The Buffy comforter has over 11,000 reviews — customer

Today on Welcome Home .. It’s time to PARTY! It’s our quasi-annual look at all things entertaining. We’ll talk all about the parties we’re planning, the best events we’ve attended, our very strong opinions on RSVPs, and why the neighborhood hardware store should be your first stop when shopping for party supplies.  Plus, back-room deals with the Whole Foods Fish Monger, buying wine on the honor system, Graham’s inside track with Yeti Coolers. and why Burlington Coat Factory is so much more than great coats… or is it?!?!   SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Blood Score: Bloodscore delivers medical grade, physician-authorized lab tests right to your door.  You get the wellness labs you need from just a few drops of blood collected at home. Bloodscore makes HEALTHY easy because it lets us check in on our health from home. No appointments, lab visits, or hassle!  Instead of getting the confusing black-and-white lab results that you and your doctor are used to seeing… you get color-coded, easy-to-understand charts and grap