HearthKeepers Podcast

Join our discussion about preparing for the summer season, from closets to thrifting, birthday cards to chickens, and our latest book club read. We also have rabbit trails, rabbit zig-zags, and twice remind you, dear listener, that we aren't processionals and we don't claim to be. Show Note:Home Comforts by Cheryl MendelsonOn Fairy-Stories by JRR TolkienEveryday Intuition: What Psychology, Science, and Psychics Can Teach Us About Finding and Trusting our Inner Voice by Elizabeth GreenwoodThe Cholesterol Myth: Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won’t Prevent Heart Disease and the Statin-Free Plan that Will by Johnny Bowden and Stephen SinatraNourishing Fats: Why We Need Animal Fats for Health and Happiness by Sally Fallon MorellHow Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn

No, we haven't lost our minds, and no, you haven't lost yours. We had to pause Season 7 due to life circumstances and switch to a topic that required no guests. We want several women to join us for Season 7, but life is just too unsettled at the moment. We're hoping to pick season 7 up later this year. For now, we're going to talk about Function, Order, and Beauty in the different rooms of the house.(We apologize for the lack of show notes.)

Sarah and Abby both thrift, but come at it from different perspectives and experiences. We hope this inspires you to consider the why behind the what for yourself. This can help you focus and sharpen your thrifting experience.You may ignore the part at the beginning where we discuss Instagram. We've already shut down our account. Sorry.Show Notes:The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferHome Comforts by Cheryl MendelsonThe Ransom Trilogy by C.S. LewisSomething Wicked: Why Feminism Can’t be Fused with Christianity by Carrie GressThe End of Woman: How Smashing the Patriarchy Has Destroyed Us by Carrie GressThe Great Books of Western CivilizationThe Western CanonThe Great BooksStuart Elliott’s Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien read alongThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre DumasMoby Dick by Herman MelvilleThe Hobbit by JRR TolkienThe Curated Closet: A Simple System for Discovering Your Personal Style and Building Your Dream Wardrobe by Anuschka ReesDopamine Décor: Style Your Home with Color, Joy and Fun by Kate Rose Morgan (Book Review)

Spring is here!!! Let's talk about the two-fold resolution process, plants, books, and a bit of thrifting!Show Notes:The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferHome Comforts by Cheryl MendelsonHow Green Was My Valley by Richard LlewellynThe Lord of the Rings by JRR TolkienPlanet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis by Michael Ward Unplug: How to Break UP with Your Phone and Reclaim Your Life by Richard SimonHow to Break up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine PriceSimplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Done by Mystie Winckler

Welcome to Season 7! Today, we'll give appropriate caveats, set things up for the season, define our terms, and discuss how to make life pretty when you're acting like you're poor. (Most of us aren't as poor as we think, even if we're struggling financially.) Frugality works with the virtues, involves not being wasteful, and should inspire creativity not being miserly. Show Notes:Growing Heirloom Flowers: Bring the Vintage Beauty of Heritage Blooms to Your Modern Garden by Chris McLaughlinThe Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferHome Comforts by Cheryl MendelsonDopamine Décor: Style Your Home with Color, Joy and Fun by Kate Rose Morgan (Book Review coming nextweek on the blog.)Stoneheart by Abby D. Jones and Alana Asby Wizard Prison (still in the rough draft stage)The Art of Frugal Hedonism: A Guide to Spending Less While Enjoying Everything More by Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb

We're wrapping up Self-Care by talking about social media and sharing concluding thoughts. One of the most helpful self-care tools we’ve found is limiting our social media interaction and time online.Show Notes:Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferHome Comforts by Cheryl MendelsonNot Going Home Alone: A Marine’s Story by James J. Kirschke Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Done by Mystie WincklerHow to Break Up With Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine PriceStay Focused App (Free app from the GoogePlay store)Rembrandt is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith by Russ RamseyLoving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic

Welcome to our casual conversation about Imbolc, HK Book Club, and all the random thoughts we have to share. Honestly, this is a giant book episode. We talk about goals and resolutions, undecorating for Christmas and decorating for winter, adding in more color, the books we're reading, and our schedule setup.February Give Away: Four Salad PlatesShow Notes: The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments by Emily A. Jensen and Laura WiflerWintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine MayPlanet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of CS Lewis by Michael WardMoby Dick by Herman MelvilleThe Chronicles of Narnia by CS LewisThe Space Trilogy by CS LewisThe Home Bird: Creating Joyful Interiors Where Old Meets New by Elle HervinNourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Doctorats by Sally FallonThe Story of Civilization and the Lessons of History, 11 Vols by Will and Ariel DurantThe Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr SolzhenitsynThe Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor DostoevskyHard Core History PodcastThe Complete Book of Home Organization: 200+ Tips and Projects by Toni HammersleyRembrandt is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey

A healthy homemaker has a healthy and robust community! We aren't meant to carry on all on our own. The community we invest ourselves in is important. It keeps us from stagnating, it provides correction, depth, and support.(Note: We changed the next giveaway.)Show Notes:Home Comforts by Cheryl MendelsonThe Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferSEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper byHoward E. Wasdin and Stephen Templin“The more you train in peace, the less you bleed in war.”The Art of Frugal Hedonism: A Guide to Spending Less While Enjoying Everything More by Annie Raser-RowlandThe Art of Stuff Article (Coming Feb. 9)

Today we have a wonderful guest: Sarah D. from @bookstacksandbarbells. Join us for this long conversation about weight training, dieting, and health.DM her and mention that you heard her on our HearthKeepers Podcast, and she'll make sure you get an exclusive deal!Show Notes:The complete Book of Home Organization: 200+ Tips and Projects by Toni HammersleyThe Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferGod in the Dock by CS LewisSurf Lessons: Stories of an Eastern Surfer by Earl ShoresThe Weight of Glory by CS LewisPlanet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of CS Lewis by Michael Ward

From thoughts on the long, dark days to the magic of the week between holidays to our thoughts on self-care, this is a fun conversation...or at least we had fun. Plus, our suggestions for Christmas movies and books. Merry Christmas, HearthKeepers!Show Notes:The Complete Book of Home Organization: 200+ Tips and Projects by Toni Hammersley The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferThe Nature of Autumn by Jim CrumleyWintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories by LMMontgomerySarah’s Favorite Christmas Movies: KrampusGremlinsChristmas with the Kranks Home AloneAbby’s Favorite Christmas Movies: White Christmas ElfMuppet’s Christmas CarolDie HardSarah’s Favorite Christmas Books: A Christmas Carol by Charles DickensDash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel CohnHandel’s Messiah Family Advent ReaderAbby’s Favorite Christmas Books: A Christmas Carol by Charles DickensOld Christmas by Washington IrvingLetters from Father Christmas by JRR TolkienOn Fairy-Stories by JRR Tolkien

Rest, recreation, and education are all important aspects of appropriate self-care. In this episode we'll discuss each in some detail. Show Notes:The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferGK Chesterton Quote: The home is not the one tame place in the world of adventure; it is the one wild place in the world of rules and set tasks.Something Wicked This Way Comes, Fahrenheit 451, Halloween Tree, and Dandelion Wine by Ray BradburyOne Look (Excuse the interruption in this episode. There was a windstorm messing with Abby’s internet. Consider it your intermission.)

Abby was so excited about this episode! Check it out to learn about why what we wear is important, pitfalls, thoughts on modesty, homemaker uniforms, and some basic style tips. (Don't worry, Skaði was totally fine. She was just mad that she had to wait her turn in the favorite nesting box.)Show Notes:The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferThe Wind in the Willows by Kenneth GrahameImage is ImportantTo Dress or Not to Dress, That is the QuestionWhat Not to Wear by Trinny Woodall and Susannah ConstantineThe Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees

Welcome to Season 6, ladies! This season is all about self-care! Now if you're like Abby and you kinda cringe a bit when you hear that term, never fear. We're going to start by defining self-care, explaining what it is and what it isn't. This is going to be a fun, dense season, so pour that cup of coffee or that bourbon, light those candles, and get cozy.Show Notes: Rembrandt is in the Wind by Russ RamseyThe Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith SchaefferBird by Bird by Anne Lamott Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien Homemaker ChicThe Long Winter by Laura Ingalls WilderThe Virtues EpisodeThe Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor DostoevskyThe Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr SolzhenitsynAnne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery“Self-care is the practice of taking care of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life to promotehealth and wellness. The main goal of self-care is to prevent or control disease and preserve overall well-being through consistently taking care of various aspects of your health. Fora person to practice true self-care, they must use personal responsibility and self-reliance in a way that positively impacts their health in the current moment and the future. "(www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-self-care-5212781)

Today, we're wrapping up Season 5: Hospitality, as well as discussing our plans for Samhain and how we plan to utilize this cross-quarter day. We also had some visitors pop in at the end of the episode. If life isn't interrupted, are you even a homemaker?It's been a wonderful season with lots of beautiful guests. We've so enjoyed talking about hospitality in all its various forms with everyone. We hope you've enjoyed it too.Show Notes:Little House in the Ozarks by Laura Ingalls WilderRembrandt is in the Wind by Russ RamseyWatership Down by Richard Adams An Army at Dawn by Rick AtkinsonOctober Dreams: A Celebration of Halloween edited by Richard Chizmar My Dear Hemlock by Tilly Dillehay The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Living, Vol. 3, Housekeeping by Leila LawlerOver The Garden Wall Coraline SoundtrackFrugal Christmas

In today’s episode, Liz shares about Lifestyle and Responsive Hospitality. She’s had to learn to be casual, flexible, and ready to go when people have needs. She talks about what she keeps on hand and questions she asks, along with debriefing with her husband. From hosting in a small home, mistakes in meal choices, and going from a system to a flexible flow, this episode covers a lot of helpful ground. Show Notes:Little House in the Ozarks by Laura Ingalls WilderRembrandt is in the Wind by Russ RamseyGroupMe Daily Thanksgivings Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must be Done by Mystie WinklerPumpkin Spice Simmer Pot: Pin on Air of the CastleThe Three Musketeers by Alexandre DumasLife in the In-Between: Facing Anxiety and Afflictions as Christians by Samuel D. RenihanLeaving Room Series

One of our goals for this season was to share a wide variety of hospitality. Emily Ward, our guest today, tells us what it is like to work in the Hospitality Industry, to practice hospitality on a professional level. There are lots of wonderful things we can learn about how to manage our work from some of the things Emily shares. We also have some fun “worst hotel” stories. Show Notes:Rembrandt is in the Wind by Russ RamseyUnreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More than They Expect by Will GuidaraLauren Parker’s Episode

What a wonderful conversation we had with Lauren Parker! This episode is full of heartfelt advice on hosting more formal events like Book Clubs, Showers, Evening Parties, and Tea Parties. Lauren shares about working with her kids, elevating the event, and what you might need on hand. She also gives lots of advice on how to be frugal in your hospitality.Show Notes:The Nature of Autumn by Jim CrumleyWelcome Home: A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating and Hosting All Year Around by Myquillyn SmithThe Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer RyanOctober Dreams: A Celebration of Halloween edited by Richard Chizmar

Happy 1st Official Day of Autumn! In honor of the season, we're sharing a bonus episode going over using this time to bless our homes and families. We also have a special guest, Rachel Atterholt! She's going to share some of her thoughts about our Book Club Read: Simplified Organization by Mystie Winckler. Rachel is a single homemaker, so her take on it is a little different. Join us over on GroupMe to join our Book Club!We do apologize for how rough this recording is. We had quite a few technical difficulties. A big thanks to Andy for working so hard on it!Show Notes:Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Done by Mystie WincklerWhat It is Like to Go to War by Karl MarlantesMatterhorn by Karl MarlantesRachel’s Podcast: CinelitStargate Atlantis: A quick correction, Abby said the episodes where she fell in love with the show were at the end of Season 1. They are, in fact, episodes 9 and 10 of Season 1: The Eye and The Storm.Autumn Playlist: Of Shivering Leaves and Cozy FiresOver the Garden WallThe Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Our first guest of season 5: Hospitality is Deanna Brown! She's going to share both how she thinks about Hospitality and the practical things she does. We trust this will be an encouraging and helpful episode. If you have any questions for Deanna or us, leave them in the comments, and we'll get them answered.Show Notes:The Pearl by John SteinbeckThe Grapes of Wrath by John SteinbeckA Farewell to Arms by Earnest HemingwayDavid Copperfield by Charles DickensWelcome Home: A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating and Hosting All Year Round by Myquillyn SmithRembrandt is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey

Before we get to all our special guests, we're sharing this episode with practical ways to meet physical and emotional needs. This should encourage us in our work both in tending our people and welcoming others into our homes.Show Notes:Seal of Honor:Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN by Gary WilliamsGates of Fire by Steven PressfieldSumma Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life, Vol. 3 – Housekeeping by Leila LawlerRembrandt is in the Wind by Russ RamseyThe Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik WikingLove the Home You Have by Melissa Michels Alexander Solzhenitsyn Speaks to the West by Aleksandr SolzhenitsynThe Moon is Down by John SteinbeckThe Man Who Was Thursday by GK ChestertonHospitality: Physical NeedsHospitality: Emotional Needs

Happy Anniversary to the Podcast! Thank you, ladies, for your support! It's been really helpful to us to work on this project, and we hope it's been a blessing to all of you.In this episode, we define hospitality, set some boundaries, and share some helpful quotes. We also address the elephant in the room...The Gospel Comes with a Housekey by Rosaria Butterfield.Show Notes:Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic Creative Mending: Beautiful Darning, Patching and Stitching Techniques by Hikaru Noguchi Embroidery: The Ideal Guide to Stitching, Whatever Your Level of Expertise by Lucinda GandertonRembrandt is in the Wind by Russ RamseyThe Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik WikingSimplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must be Done by Mystie WinklerHearthKeeper Hospitality Articles:Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4

Oh, we crack ourselves up. Listen to the end.In this episode, we talk about how to use the cross-quarter day, Lammas. It is prudent to evaluate the needs of the coming season. Let's embrace this opportunity to think about the needs of our home and the upcoming holidays.We're also taking a few minutes to talk about our upcoming drawings and the current HK Book Club read. Thanks for being here, ladies!Show Notes:Fire Cider: Basic recipe Fire Cider: A bit more information

Join us as we wrap up this season by picking Cindy Vincent's brain about doing laundry through all the stages of life: Maid, Matron, and Crone. We think you'll find what she has to share encouraging and helpful. Show Notes:She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver GoldsmithThe Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas What It Is Like To Go To War by Karl Marlantes On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society by Dave GrossmanNo Graves as Yet by Anne PerryLife in the In-Between by Samuel Renihan The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well by Deborah Needleman (July Book Giveaway)Love the Home You Have by Melissa Michaels (AugustBook Giveaway)Rembrandt is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey (HK Book Club Read)Your Not Forever Home: Affordable, Elevated, Temporary Decor for Renters by Katherine Ormerod

"This might be the nerdiest we've gotten on any episode." Discussing how we should approach laundry turned into a conversation about ironing, mending, and textiles. So, yes, we did get a bit nerdy. Along the way, we talked about how to expand our view of laundry, stick with the basics, and bless our people. And yes, we find it very exciting!Show Notes:The Urban WildlifeGardener: How to attract birds, bees, butterflies, and More by Emma HardyOrder and Honor in The Household by Samuel RenihanWithhold not Correction by Bruce A. RayParenting: 14 Gospel Principles that can Radically Change your Family by Paul David TrippPigmalion by George Bernard ShawLaundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore by Patric RichardsonHome Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson

Today, we're talking with Melissa Ward about some of the more hands-on elements of cleaning, especially when we're not all A-type personalities. It was especially helpful to compare all the different ways we manage our homes, what works for us, and what doesn't work for us. Join the conversation.Show Notes: The Art of Gothic Living: Dark Decor for the Modern Macabre by Paul GambinoSimplified Organization by Mystie WinklerGreat Expectations by Charles DickensRembrandt is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith by Russ RamseyZone Cleaning Bonus Episode

Welcome to our Double Feature! Today we're talking about Litha or the Summer Solstice, and we're reviewing Simplified Organization by Mystie Winckler.Show Notes:Silas Marner by George EliotYour Not Forever Home: Affordable, Elevated, Temporary Decor for Renters by Katherine Ormerod

We all have to clean, but how should we look at this daily task? What is its value? Can we learn to love to clean? Is cleaning supported by the classic virtues? All this and more is covered in this episode on the Heart of Cleaning.Show Notes:Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson Sink Reflections (The Fly Lady) by Maria CilleyHome organization, The Complete Book of Clean: Tips and Techniques for Your Home by Toni Hammersley, A Bowl Full of LemonsThe Complete Book of Home Organization by Toni HammersleyBrenneman

This episode is all about meal planning and keeping a kitchen journal. It is a short deep dive into the practical side of cooking and kitchen management.Show Notes:Simplified Organization by Mystie WinklerOrder and Honor in the Household by Samuel RenihanMatterhorn by Karl MarlantesRembrandt is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith by Russ RamseyGroupMe2.3 Routine and FlexibilityThe next HearthKeeper Drawing is coming soon! Join our GroupMe to enter the drawing for either Home Management Plain and Simple by Kim Brenneman or Rembrandt is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey (July-December Book Club book).

Season 4 is a deeper dive into the Cooking, Cleaning, and Laundry with lots of guests! Our first topic is cooking, and our first guest is the great Deanna Brown. Join us as she encourages us to shift our thinking to view our cooking as an art.Show Notes:Home Management Plain and Simple by Kim BrennemanThe Complete Book of HomeOrganization by Toni HammersleySalt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat Simplified Organization: Learn to Love What Must Be Done by Mystie Winckler (January-June 2025 HK Book Club book.)Rembrandt is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith by Russ Ramsey (July-December 2025 HK Book Club book.)

Sorry, not sorry about the amount of giggles that start this episode. We were both having a hard time keeping a straight face. We did eventually get ourselves under control. In this episode, we're going to talk about ways to prepare for summer as we get ready to move into Season 4: HouseKeeping.Show Notes:-Life in the In-Between: Facing Anxiety and Affliction as Christians by Samuel Renihan-Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss-Rembrandt is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith by Russ Ramsey

Season 3 wraps up with an episode full of practical advice on how to shore up ourselves when life just keeps on coming. Sometimes, big things knock us down, and sometimes, endless tiny chaos destroys us. It is important to think about ways we can help ourselves in these situations so that we can keep tending our people.Show Notes:Rembrandt is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith by Russ RamseyLife in the In-Between: Facing Anxiety and Affliction as a Christian by Samuel RenihanThe Urban Wildlife Gardener: How to attract birds, bees, butterflies, and more by Emma HardyThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessei van der KolkHow to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price

We've discussed things that can cause Boredom, Bitterness, and Burnout in our hearts, but what about things outside of our control? The big things and the "death by a thousand papercuts" things?In this episode, Abby and Sarah will talk about different providences that the homemaker faces that can erode her fortitude. Show Notes:-BBC Merlin-Princess Bride reference-Grieving by James White

In the last episode, we had to do the hard work of discussing all of the ways we fail to guard our hearts and damage our homes. In this episode, we get to discuss Gardening our Hearts so that we bring health and healing to ourselves and our homes. Show Notes:2.1 The Four VirtuesHomemaker Chic PodcastEvidence Not Seen: A Woman's Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II by Darlene Deibler RoseTasha Tudor Books

A bit of a salty episode where we argue about the time change. A bit of a conversational episode where we just chat. Oh, and a bit of homemaking where we talk about using the seasonal changes in our homes. It's a bit of a bit of a bit all over the place.Show Notes:August Osage County by Tracy LettsWatership Down (Graphic Novel) by Richard Adams

Join Sarah and Abby as they work through attitudes and issues in our inner gardens and hearths that cause boredom, bitterness, and burnout.This is a convicting episode, so hang tough. The next episode will offer some encouragement and practical help. Show Notes: Zone Cleaning Bonus Episode The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien Egg song provided by one of Abby's chickens Windchimes provided by Sarah

Caveats and definitions are the name of the game with this episode. We're going to start by setting some expectations, and then define Bitterness, Boredom, and Burnout. We'll finish by addressing the Maids, Matrons, and Crones. Hang Tough, this isn't going to be an easy season, but we hope it will be profitable.Show Notes: The Night of the Hunter movie The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Here are two articles that provide hope and help to round out this difficult topic of the Bitter, Bored, and Burnt-out HearthKeeper. The blog has many more articles that touch on these temptations, offering correction and tHearthKeeper SongTake a Break

Welcome to Season 3! This season we're going to discuss the temptation of boredom, burn-out, and bitterness faced by homemakers. But first, let's talk about Imbolc, the cross-quarter day that reminds us Spring is coming! Show Notes: Seasonal Episode Seasonal Article The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom Our Town by Thornton Wilder The Last Hero by GK Chesterton HearthKeepers Knitting Circle Links

Finishing up Season 2, we're doing a holiday review to help ourselves reflect on how the holidays went so we can be better prepared for the coming Christmas and New Year's. This is practicing Deosil and Widdershins. Show Notes: House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget by Myquillyn Smith Island of Stars by Carrie Brownell

This is the last episode of season 2! We made it! Thank you for listening, commenting, and telling us how much you enjoy this podcast. This episode is foundational to our homemaking. If we don't create houses of healing we're skipping some of our most important work. Show Notes: Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morell Nourishing Fats by Sally Fallon Morell Honoring Our Cycles by Kate Singer Period Repair Manuel by Lara Briden The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk The Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies that Heal by Rosalee de la Foret Naturally Healthy Woman: The Essential Guide for Women Pursuing a Long, Naturally Healthy Life by Shonda Parker Mommy Diagnostics: The Naturally Healthy Family's Guide to Herbs and Whole Foods for Health by Shonda Parker The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot by Sheila Wray Gregoire The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex: Because Good Guys Make the Best Lovers by Sheila Wray Gregorie and Keith Ronald Gregoire

Better a little late than never, here is our promised bonus episode on Zone Cleaning. Do you use this method? How do you have your house zoned? Show Notes: - Sink Reflections: Flylady's BabyStep Guide to Overcoming CHAOS by Marla Cilley - Home Management: Plain and Simple by Kim Brenneman

In this episode, we'll go over some general definitions and lay some basic groundwork for housekeeping. This is an important part of homemaking to get ahold of. If we don't view it correctly we can't handle it well and with good attitudes. (Our episode on Zone Cleaning isn’t out yet. 😊) Show Notes: Gold Star Mother Interview Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson

In this episode we discuss how to use the Winter Solstice in our homes, the blessing of the holidays, and a bunch of beautiful quotes. This is also the episode where we make each other cry. Show Notes: •Island of Stars by Carrie Bownell •Changeling by Roger Zelazny John Henry Newman, •“The Second Spring” sermon (can’t speak to the validity of this sermon, we just appreciated the quote) •Home Indeed by Douglas Malloch •Frugal Christmas Episode and Article •Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield •Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

Some Christmases demand more frugal spending of our monetary or energy budgets. Listen to this cozy episode to be encouraged to embrace Christmas not for the stuff, but for the spirit. We can do this HearthKeepers!

Understanding the underlying truth about our work helps us manage our expectations correctly. The underlying truth about HearthKeeping is that it is both 100% Routine and 100% Flexible. Suggested Books and Articles: The Valley of Vision Home Management by Kim Brenneman Know Thyself Routine Staying Prepared (Being Flexible)

We are the HearthKeepers, so where are our hearths? Why is important to know where your hearth is tangibly located in the home? Check out this episode for some cozy encouragement! And no we're not a book club, but books seem to keep coming up every episode. Show Notes: Intended for Pleasure by Ed and Gaye Wheat The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling Sink Reflections by Maria Cilley Article on Hearth Location

Join us for a discussion with our backup admin, Rachel Atterholt. She's a single homemaker who has only recently chosen to go down the path of homemaking. She's not only a big help in the group, but we think you'll find her story encouraging. Show Notes: -Moby Dick by Herman Melville -In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick -The Silmarillion by JRR Tolkien

Welcome to Season 2! We're continuing our exploration of the foundations of homemaking from Season 1. Our starting point is the Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude. If we wish to excel as homemakers and in our home management, we must utilize the classic Virtues. We’ll provide some definitions, quotes, and practical advice as we move through this episode. Please note that the afterthought is longer than normal, so this episode isn’t as long as it appears. Show Notes: Summa Domestica by Leila Lawler (Book 1, Order and Wonder in Family Life, Pg. 238-239) Prudence Article Justice Article Temperance Article Fortitude Article On the Law of Nature: A demonstrative Method by Niels Hemmingsen, trans. E. J. Hutchinson

Join us as we share happy memories of Halloween celebrations, discuss what the holiday means for us as adults, and make practical suggestions about how to use the day in your homemaking. Show Notes: - Intended for Pleasure by Ed and Gaye Wheat - Jeeves and Wooster series by PG Wodehouse - Tolkien Dogmatics by Austin Freeman - The Three Apologies by GK Chesterton Holiday Menu Prepping: Create a menu for the feasts you're responsible for. Create a sub-list of all the ingredients. From that sub-list, note what can be bought ahead and add that to your shopping list. Assign dishes to friends and family.

We both felt having our moms on as guest speakers was important in our introductory season. This season is all about getting to know us and our goals. We would not be the women we are today without these two women standing behind us and serving alongside us. We're very thankful they agreed and that we can share their wisdom with all of you. Recording this episode was an absolute delight. Enjoy! Show Notes: (Lots of books.) -Don't Waste Your Breath by Brian Borgman -Living Life Backwards by David Gibson -Nearing Home, Comforts and Counsel for the Aged by William Schenck -The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart -The Art of Divine Contentment by Thomas Watson -The Valley of Vision -The Island of Stars by Carrie Brownell -Watership Down by Richard Adams -Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Merry Durability is mentioned several times. It was coined in this article.