Sorta Awesome

'Tis the season for year-end lists of favorites! We've invited blogger and author Jessica Turner back to Sorta Awesome to join Laura in talking all things book and reading for 2016. They dish on buzzed books that fell flat for them, what books they are giving as gifts, and what their very favorite reads from the past year were. All of that, plus Awesome of the Week! SHOW NOTES: Bandolier iPhone Case/crossbody Gilligan & O'Malley at Target Plant Therapy, Serious Cough by Wishgarden, Potion ingredients: equal parts apple cider vinegar, honey, and lemon juice; dilute with warm water, tea, or whiskey Book of the Month Club! BOOKS: The Woman in Cabin 10, Ruth Ware Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi Dark Matter, Blake Crouch The City of Mirrors, Justin Cronin Before the Fall, Noah Hawley The Nest, Cynthia Sweeney The Girls, Emma Cline Truly, Madly, Guilty, Lianne Moriarty Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi Love Warrior, Glennon Doyle Melton The Sound of Gravel, Ruth Wariner Hillbilly Elegy, J

Everything around us is merry and bright in the midst of December holidays, but on this week's episode, Megan and Rebekah push pause on the jolliness of the season to talk about the not-so-awesome experience of grief. The timing is personal for one of the co-hosts, and we know grief is an inescapable fact of life for many of you, too. Join us as we tell our stories, share practical and inspirational advice, and even check in with experts on how to navigate grief at the holidays. And as always, you'll hear our Awesomes of the Week! SHOW NOTES How to Manage Your Home without Losing Your Mind by Dana K. White Planner notebook by Nomatic Laurelbox gifts Dr. Margaret Rutherford - blog, podcast Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/sortaawesome or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.

If you've ever felt the pressure to do ALL the things and do them ALL with awesomeness, you'll love what Megan and Kelly have to say this week about how important it is to have a DON'T do list. They share all the things they don't do in order to be able to do a few things well. And as always, Awesomes of the Week! Episode 79 brought to you by SimplyNutrients.com - a small business that provides nutritional and wellness products for you and the entire family - even your furry friends! Go to http://simplynutrients.com/sortaawesome and use code SAFreeShip for free shipping over $25! SHOW NOTES Fairy lights Spotify: Simple Advent Simply Christmas 2016 FRESH Christmas Find Kelly on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheart

Sometimes the things that change our lives are unexpected. This week, Megan and Laura spill it all about the practices they have taken up in the past year that are changing them - mind, body, and spirit. All of that, plus Awesome of the Week! Use code SORTA15 at OtisPottery.net for 15% off your purchase now through December 15th! Handmade, hand-painted, beautiful, functional pottery from a family-owned business in Michigan. SHOW NOTES Limited time offer for new customers of Grove Collaborative! Prince Phillip biography offcamera with sam jones The Crown Starting Strength Find Laura on her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

When you've made it through something challenging (whether it's a personal struggle or the presidential election), we think you should celebrate! Megan and Rebekah share 18 things you could do this weekend (or anytime!) to commemorate the end of a hard time. Be prepared for lots of giggling, a few confused looks, and the return of the snake massage. All of that, plus Awesome of the Week!    This episode is brought to you by TheRuffledPage.com Just in time for holiday decorating and shopping, The Ruffled Page is stocked with stunning handmade wreaths made from hymnal pages, sheet music, maps and more! Use code AWESOME10 at check-out for 10% off any purchase in the shop! SHOW NOTES Piano Covers of Pop Songs Motherwort from Herb Pharm Glow stick bath Inkless Tattoo NaNoWriMo rules to Balderdash Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/

Stress from Election 2016 got you down? Or rather, has all of 2016 gotten you down? We don't have all the answers to ease your mind, but what we do have are tons of (healthy!) (fun!) ways to distract yourself in the midst of these tension-filled days. Today, Megan and Kelly fill you in on everything you need to distract yourself in the coming days including great podcast episodes to check out, TV to tune into, rabbit holes to fall into, and even a song that is scientifically proven to relieve stress! All of that, plus Awesome of the Week! We are launching a listener support campaign! To be part of the movement to ensure the future of Sorta Awesome, head on over to our brand new Patreon support page: https://www.patreon.com/sortaawesome SHOW NOTES Shortbread candy bars, Chocolate Caramel Rolo Cookie Denizens for Levi jeans When National Turmoil Becomes Personal Anxiety, The Atlantic In the Dark On Being with David Brooks an EJ Dionne Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me Babysitter's Club Club Heavyweight - Galit The

Just because social media is more ... intense ... than ever doesn't mean it's not awesome. This week, Megan and Laura share the ups and downs and pitfalls and happiness-hacks to make social media a little bit more awesome. They talk about each of the major social media platforms and explore what makes them so great. All of that, plus Awesome of the Week!   Show notes: 1) Sprinkles-inspired salted cornflake oatmeal cookie 2) Project MC2 3) Rescue Time     Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In the midst of the tensions of the world around us, it's sometimes easy to forget the things that make life awesome. Rarely is there a time of year when there is so much awesome to be found than the fall and holiday season! In this episode, Megan and Rebekah deliver a list of ten things they are looking forward to in the months ahead. Everything from music to food to a devotion to simplifying make the list - with lots more to get excited about, as well! All of that, plus Awesome of the Week! SHOW NOTES 1. Stephen Edward Graphic on Etsy the decal Rebekah bought 2. Heavyweight 3. Better Than Pumpkin Pie Cake 4. Dignify shop - Megan's favorite kantha throw5. Homemade Halloween Costumes: Bag of Popcorn  Birthday Present Sandbox 6. Sweet potato cheese cake 7. PicMonkey.com 8. Hanna Andersson pajamas 9. Christmas-themed books for bedtime 10. Leslie Odom Jr Christmas album 11. Amazon Prime Membership 12. Merry Little Christmas Project  Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! You can find

In September 2016, Megan traveled with World Vision USA to Lebanon to see the work being done to provide aid to Syrian refugees there. This is final episode in the three-part series telling the stories of what she learned there. CLICK HERE to give a one-time donation to World Vision's work in Syria CLICK HERE to give a one-time or monthly donation to World Vision's REFUGEE RESPONDER program WeWelcomeRefugees.com Project Hive   You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In September 2016, Megan traveled with World Vision USA to Lebanon to see the work being done to provide aid to Syrian refugees there. This is part two of a three-part series telling the stories of her time there.   Further reading: Grapes of Wrath: Refugees Face Steinbeck Scenario in Lebanon's Napa Valley, Christianity Today Memories of a different Syria (pre-war photographs of Syria), France24 Syria's refugee crisis in numbers, Amnesty International How Lebanon is coping with more than one million refugees, PBS   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In September 2016, Megan traveled with World Vision USA to Lebanon to see the work being done to provide aid to Syrian refugees there. This is part one of a three-part series telling the stories from her time there. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Been wondering about the nitty-gritty of Megan's trip to Lebanon? Today, Kelly sits Megan down in the (not-so)-hot seat to talk all about her first trip overseas. From navigating airports to solving mysteries of the bathroom abroad, she tells all about this most amazing adventure. All of that, plus a brand-new take on a seasonal vegetable and tear-jerking TV in Awesome of the Week! SHOW NOTES: Eat Within Your Means: how to cook spaghetti squash This Is Us World Vision Rich Stearns' The Hole in our Gospel Find Kelly on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Megan is home from her trip to Lebanon with World Vision USA, and you'll get to hear all about what she learned there very soon. BUT, before she left, she and Laura invited the Awesome community to talk about a time they took a risk on themselves personally or professionally. In this episode, you'll hear stories of picking up and moving, of starting a new path, and of making something happen - all because of taking a little risk. All of that plus fantastic eye cream and zen for your ears in Awesome of the Week! SHOW NOTES: Clinique Pep Start and All About Eyes ZenMix.io Find Laura on her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Though the calendar says we technically still have a few days of summer left, everyone knows that now that Labor Day has come and gone, it's time to get back in the saddle of regular routines. This week, Kelly and Megan do a deep dive into routines - HOW their homes run on them and WHY people choose certain paths to setting up the rhythms of life based on personality and temperament.  All of that plus pretty earrings and groceries online in Awesome of the Week! This week's episode is brought to you by Eat At Home dinner plans. Use code "awesome" for 20% off of your meal planning membership! Find the recipe from today's episode here: Pork Chop and Veggies One Pan Dinner Find Kelly on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.ihe

Whether you consider yourself as crunchy as a box of granola or soggy as this morning's oatmeal, you don't want to miss Megan and Rebekah's talk on all things natural living. They retrace their own steps on the pathway to natural living, and then tell all of the crunchy things they've let go of as well as the naturally-minded ways they just can't quit. The awesome that Rebekah loves to hate and a new book from one of Megan's favorite authors all in Awesome of the Week! SHOW NOTES The Just Clean Something Challenge Assimilate or Go Home, D. L. Mayfield The Ministry of Funfetti, D. L. Mayfield Live Renewed Blog Green Your Life, Emily McClements Good Guide Skin Deep Database Traditional Cooking School Ultimate Bundles Plant Therapy Kidsafe line Grove Collaborative Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/sortaawesome or @sortaawesome

What did we read on summer vacation? Megan invited regular co-host Laura and returning guest Amy Allen Clark of MomAdvice.com to come talk all things books and reading to get your brain geared up for fall. They give their honest thoughts on some of the most buzzed-about books right now, as well as non-fiction and fiction selections that have kept them turning pages. All of that plus a great gift idea, a fantastic hair tip, and a wonderful kid care idea in Awesome of the Week! Also! We would love for you to check out a new podcast project from Laura and Megan: Smartest Person in the Room! Find it now in your favorite podcast app or on the website. This week's episode is brought to you by Eat At Home dinner plans. Use code "awesome" for 20% off of your meal planning membership! Find the recipe from today's episode here: 15 Minute Creamy Chicken Florentine Quesadillas at Eat At Home. SHOW NOTES: Framebridge Love Taza: How I Style My Bangs! Spontaneity Kid Care (Oklahoma CIty) Mom Advice Reading Round-Ups Mom Ad

You already know that YOU are one of our favorites, right? We hope you do know that! In this week's episode, Megan and Kelly run through a list of other favorites of theirs - a collection of the awesomes of their lives. Megan makes a big announcement and, as always, there's plenty of Awesome of the Week! SHOW NOTES EasyLunchboxes, Lunch Blox, plastic ball jars The Babysitter's Club Club podcast 1. Mo Willems' books 2. Shopping with Dad 3. The Best Pet of All 4. Riley and Rose in the Picture Find Kelly on her blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This week is all things pregnancy and new baby, and with good reason. The stork will soon be visiting the Sorta Awesome team! Tune in to find out who is expecting as well as hear some classic pregnancy confessions, thoughts on what to find out and when, and some of the best gift ideas for new moms. All of that, plus Awesome of the Week! Episode 67 is brought to you by Your Camera and Your Life: A Beginner’s Photography Workshop. an 8-week, online photography class for DSLR users who want to know to use that big girl camera! You can find out more at www.andreakatolin.com/workshop $10 off with the code "awesome" at checkout and you’ll hear more from course creator and teacher Andrea Katolin later in today’s episode! SHOW NOTES: The Royals Modern Kiwi maxi dress Wrong gender reveal First year calendars Pregnancy announcement! Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. Fin

Hail, hail! The Sorta Awesome gang is all here, and our month-long summer break is over! Are you ready for a new group show? Rebekah, Kelly, and Laura join Megan this week as they break down the power of music in moments big and small. You'll hear their milestone music moments, songs that have had the most impact, and the silliest misunderstood lyrics from each of them. All of that plus DOUBLE the Awesome of the Week! Don't forget to shop Sorta Awesome's Amazon link as you get ready for back to school and the (here before you know it!) autumn season. Thank you for supporting Sorta Awesome! SHOW NOTES: Garlicky Green Beans, Love Well Blog Sweet Sally’s Soap Amazon Echo Stranger Things SONGS AND ALBUMS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Little Miss Magic, Jimmy Buffett You Never Even Called Me By My Name, David Allen Coe Hands to Heaven, Breathe No Woman, No Cry, Bob Marley Wonderful World, Beautiful People, Jimmy Cliff 1200 Curfews, Indigo Girls Langua

Megan is joined this week by someone who has known her nearly since birth. Her younger sister Emily Harris is the very special guest co-host for this week's episode! They dish about sister dynamics, INFJ + ENFP, what the dating scene is like for a single woman in her late 30s, and make-up recommendations you don't want to miss. All of that, plus Awesome of the Week! SHOW NOTES 1. Maidenform Self-Expression high-waisted thigh slimmer 2. ASMR channels: massageASMR, Rhosgobel Rabbit ASMR, GentleWhispering, HeatherFeather 3. NYX Butter Lip Balm in Brownie 4. Dior Hydra Life BB cream 5. Make-up Geek 6. Charlotte Tilbury on Youtube 7. Gruene Hall Find Emily on Instagram! You can find Megan on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com