Showing posts with label podcast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label podcast. Show all posts

11/20/15

episode 11 of The Better Part podcast with The Fairtrade Fashionistas: Brandi Mendenhall & Shannon Riesenfeld



Hi Friends!

 So here we are in November on the front end of the most wonderful time of the year!  I am so happy to introduce Brandi and Shannon to you.  We all hope you find the information they share timely and helpful and a valuable resource as you shop your Christmas and Hanukah gift list! 

 Brandi & Shannon met online through Noonday Collection 3 years ago and have become close friends!  Their first time to hangout together in person was at ALLUME 2013.  They found common ground in a shared interest in all things fair-trade and fun fashion.  Brandi started The Fair-trade Fashionistas blog and now they are both contributors.  The blog has grown into a new online community and shopping experience in one site!  You can check it out at thefairtradefashionistas.com!

 Speaking of Noonday, as an ambassador I earn a commission and a portion of that goes toward the expense of podcasting.  Your purchases through my Noonday Collection site are making an impact in the lives of the artisans we partner with AND helping to carry the message of The Better Part out to listeners near and far.  You can also support The Better Part by subscribing to the show in iTunes and share the show with your friends!  Be sure to visit noondaycollection.com to connect with your local ambassador too!
I learned so much and enjoyed having this conversation with Brandi and Shannon.  These practices and concepts are still new to me, so it helps me to talk through ideas and learn from women who are further down the road in the journey than I am.  One thing that resonated in me as we talked is that shopping is something I put my hands to, and everything I put my hands to is to be done to honor The Lord.  All of every moment of our lives is worship.  If all means ALL, then that includes how we spend or save or invest our money, time, and resources.  

Everything has it's beginning and beginnings are the size of seeds.  We don't start with mature oak trees y'all.   I love that Brandi reminded us of this verse that we can apply in all spaces of our lives and moments.
So start. Start small. Start where you can. Start!

Brandi & Shannon recommended these companies as resources for shopping with fair-trade companies or companies whose products are ethically sourced and produced.  They'd make a great place to put feet to your start! 
  • Tonlé  I'm seeing several things that are so stylish, but this Keang top in its graphic wood grain print is my first impression favorite!  I think it'd be a great year round top that can be layered under cardigans in cooler temps.


  • Teysha  These La Sofia boots are stunning.  An investment or significant gift price point, but the craftsmanship in well made leather boots is worth every dollar.  Just on looks, these are my favorites from their site!




  • Pact - Shannon's new sock & underwear source! Look for leggings and tights too!  They have stuff for everyone in the family BUT this right here...this Baby's Cozy Set in Fair Isle is too cute!

  • Symbology  When the site loaded I was pleasantly surprised...it's very Anthropologie!  I love the experience of color and patterns presented in wearable fashion...it's like wearing art.  The Navy & Gold Henna Tunic is my fall pic from their site hands down.  Although the retail price is above my personal budget, I believe you get what you pay for!  And they have a blog on the site that tells us all we need to know about who makes these beautiful pieces.  

  • West Elm You are probably no stranger to West Elm!  They are known for their stylish home furnishings.  I think this short video explains their commitment to impact sourcing better than I ever could!


  • Be Good Clothing  Another source for clothing made of clean organic textiles.  Once again the retail price points are above my comfort zone, but I found these two on sale!  Be Good offers an effortless, breezy, California style from the looks of things on the site.  I think that's what appeals to me most.

AND!  Do not forget that chocolate! Brandi & I can both vouch for how delicious it is!  Bark Thins for the WIN!  Look for it at your Target or grocery store and ask for it if they don't carry it. So very insanely {all the synonyms for good} good!

Be sure to follow Brandi & Shannon on Instagram @fairtradefashionistas and visit their new site thefairtradefashionistas.com.  The site is up and going so be sure to visit them there soon as you can!  Let them know you heard the episode and share your favorite take away. 
Okay, so since sharing is caring, let us know what your favorite things are in the comments.  Don't keep a good thing a secret!  Tell us what you're loving in fair-trade, B-corp, ethically produced goods!
See you soon!



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10/12/15

Episode 10 The Better Part Podcast ~ Bethany Tran founder of The Root Collective


The best thing about my job is getting to meet new friends and share time with them while they share their stories with us.  Best job ever.  Episode 10 of The Better Part Podcast is with my new friend, Bethany Tran, founder of The Root Collective.  (Click the iTunes button on the right sidebar to listen to this episode.)  Bethany describes herself as a doer and a fixer.  She says that after her 30th birthday she watched Half the Sky documentary "and the doer in me rose up in a passion that I knew couldn’t be stopped this time. The Root Collective was born that night."  Realizing it was impossible to 'fix' the big problems facing the people of La Limonada, her perspective shifts and she begins to see the value in partnerships.
In her own words:  "The problem-solver and the doer in me had to shift directions. My desire to fix changed into a desire to partner. It was humbling. I realized that I couldn’t fix anything for the people who lived in La Limonada, but I could come alongside them and tell them that I believed in them enough to invest in them. And investment is what brings about change".

In our conversation Bethany shares the story of how The Root Collective began, how broad stewardship really is, understanding the value in sustainable partnerships with artisan businesses, and more! 

E P I S O D E    L I N K S

THE ROOT COLLECTIVE
Don't forget to shop online at therootcollective.com using discount code 
BETTERPART for 20% off your order!


WHEN HELPING HURTS

HALF THE SKY

C O N N E C T 

You can connect with Bethany online in these spaces!  


S P O N S O R

I produce each episode of The Better Part Podcast with a portion of the commission I earn as a Noonday Collection independent ambassador.  I invite you to shop online at wendyhogan.noondaycollection.com and see for yourself the beautiful handmade items available.  Now is a great time to gather friends for a trunk show and shop for those on your holiday gift lists!  



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9/28/15

Episode 9 The Better Part Podcast ~ Bailey Heard



Hey friends!  I am so glad to have made a new friend in Bailey and I hope that you will enjoy this episode of The Better Part.  Bailey's enthusiasm is contagious and there's not anything better than making a fast friend whose heart has a similar drumbeat.  

 Wife, mom, entrepreneur, friend, speaker, life coach...Bailey is uniquely all of these.  In her own words she is "on a mission to help women who have experienced loss create the NEXT CHAPTER of their lives – one that is full of hope, inspiration, authenticity, and passion."  It is so perfectly clear to me that this is exactly what Bailey was made for!  

 Bailey connects with women as a speaker for MOPs around the country as well as for the real estate company Keller & Williams.  Be sure to visit her sit (linked below) for details on her speaking schedule. 

 Andrew, Bailey's husband, wrote an amazing book for their daughter, Ellie, as his legacy of love and encouragement.  Andrew passed away at the young age of 30 after a battle with stage 4 lung cancer.  Bailey saw that this book would be a treasure to her daughter and keep her connected to how great her daddy's love is for her.  Beyond that there is this element of connection in the book that extends beyond Bailey and Ellie, something to be shared with other families too.  Bailey has kindly offered 25% items available online at ellieproject.com with code THEBETTERPART.  The Ellie Project is a book of Alphabet Character Lessons  is Andrew's first book, A Gray Faith, and a special collection of stationery with quotes and drawings by Andrew are available at this discount!

 


We had a great time catching up and talking about life lessons and hip hop and lots of things in between!  Here's a few of those linked for you:



Remember you can get your World's Okayest Mom t-shirt to support The Better Part Podcast and the information is right HERE!


And be sure to visit iTunes to subscribe/rate/review The Better Part podcast!




The Better Part Podcast is made possible through my work as an Independent Noonday Collection Ambassador.  Noonday Collection uses fashion to create meaningful opportunities around the world! 



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9/21/15

Episode 8 The Better Part Podcast ~ Jacey Verdicchio



In this episode of The Better Part Podcast my guest is a new friend, Jacey Verdiccio.  She is just a darling delight in every way!  Jacey works for Naptime Diaries and hosts 2 podcasts: Around The Table and Influence Network Podcast.

 Jacey writes at her blog, Jacey Verdiccio.  She is a natural encourager and shares, in her own words, topics that "will revolve around daily life: career, money, productivity, faith, family, social life, and, of course, how marriage intersects them all".  If you are interested in checking out some of her main posts on these topics click here!  Connect with Jacey on Instagram here. 

Though there's just a handful of years between us, one of us has reached the top of the hill, I've learned so much about being purposeful, in balancing things like money and interests, from talking with Jacey.  So much insight and encouragement passed along here in this conversation!  I hope you enjoy Jacey as much as I did!

 OH! I almost forgot! We dish on two tried and true cold-brew coffee techniques:  PW's here & Elise Joy's here.  Let me know your cold-brew tips/tricks!
Here's some more links to the things we talked about, these are GOLD! 
Naptime Diaries! Click on the picture to use my referral link and shop 15% off!

Butter London's Macbeth lipstick.  Looks like the perfect coral color!

The Influence Network Podcast



Around The Table Podcast
Total Money Makeover


Elise Joy ~ Get Crafty Podcast 
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8/19/15

Episode 5 The Better Part Podcast ~ Kids take over the show!


These guys. 


Sometimes I just cannot handle it.  They give me a run for the money!  They give me all of their love...I mean BIG love!  They give me messes and 1.google questions.  They know almost everything too. #blessed

It was so fun creating a podcast with my boys. I hope you enjoy it too!
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Episode 7 of The Better Part Podcast with Jamie Ivey


Have you met Jamie?  You really should!

 Jamie and her husband, Aaron, have four great kids and they live in Austin, TX.  She is just the best fun to hang out with and I loved getting to spend time with her.  Her dynamic joy, authenticity, and knack for intentional living are what caught my attention.  I first met Jamie in Austin, TX last January where she was the MC for the Noonday Collection conference.  It was just a brief hello at a conference, but I just knew she had a story.  This year it has been so fun to read her family's story over on her blog at jamieivey.com as well as get to listen to her podcast, The Happy Hour.   (You can connect with Jamie on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.)

 Listen, this girl is just like us, extraordinarily ordinary!  I believe all of us have a story worth sharing and Jamie's is one of adventure, faith, intentionality, steady onwardness, and fun.  Jamie's heart is to encourage women and I know you'll find that here in her story.

 In this episode we talk about...



 On her show, Jamie asks her guests to list 3 things their into and I turned the table on her here.  She's digging Last Man Standing on Hulu (I held my tongue and was NOT a spoiler.)  Taking things off or out or something like that, from what she puts on herself...basically she's making an effort to use cleaner products, like Beauty Counter makeup.  The notebooks from May Designs are another favorite thing of hers; I'm partial to their Noonday designs!  She kindly threw out a bonus favorite and that's her dress from Lula Roe. 

 A shared pastime we are into is reading.  I've rediscovered reading this summer!  Listen, with three kids, for the longest time I have been reading stuff from the kids section of the library.  I remember how excited I was when my first tween found the kid lawyer books by John Grisham.  Need a rec for a book report?  I'm your girl.  But this summer I crossed the hall and got back into the grown up side of the library!  I don't have time to waste on a dud so I asked Jamie what she'd been reading, here's a few she's turned the pages of.

I can't wait to hear how you liked the episode and what your favorite parts were.  Use #TheBetterPart in your comments on social media to connect with me in conversation.  Here's where to find me on Facebook, Twitter, & the Instagram.  Your ratings and reviews on The Better Part podcast in iTunes are very appreciated!

Thanks for listening!






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8/12/15

Episode 6 of The Better Part Podcast ~ Slice of life with Christina Baxley

In this episode of The Better Part my friend Christina and I just catch up on all things life...summer, the lack of going to the beach, raising kids, and going back to school.  We don't get real deep and that's ok. I hope you find a place of encouragement and joy in this episode!  

 Let me call your attention to the right side of this web page, if you're on a regular computer on your desk or lap, there's a link to iTunes that will take you right to The Better Part Podcast.  Above that link, you see the buttons for Twitter and Instagram where you can join the conversation with #TheBetterPart!  If you prefer Facebook, there is even a page for the podcast, The Better Part Podcast with Wendy Hogan.  I can't wait to connect with y'all and I appreciate your reviews, ratings, and comments especially on iTunes!  


 

This is my friend Christina Baxley and her family.  It was so fun having her on the podcast with me.  Let me tell you something, a good time is where Christina is. I love being with her. 

So, multi-tasking is just one of her amazing skills and in this episode Christina is cooking quinoa.  This is quinoa.  I had to look it up.  The Wikipedia says I pronounced it correctly too.  Here's the link if you'd like to read up on quinoa.  Unless if you're fancy too and are already in the Quinoa crowd.   How do you quinoa?

Christina has been doing Jennie Allen's Anything in a group study and loved it.  She'd encourage you to read it and do the study with a small group too, so I'm passing that along.   I've been busily reading this summer to make up for lost time or rather a lack of time spent reading anyway.  So far I tried Language Arts and couldn't get into it.  From there I picked up Melanie Shankle's book Nobody's Cuter Than You, winner winner chicken dinner.  Next up was Shana Niequiest's Bread & Wine, I'm 2/3 through this delightful memoir.  Listen, do not read this book hungry or late at night unless you are prepared to need a midnight snack.  It's good. 






Let's talk new math. 










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7/27/15

Episode 4 of The Better Part Podcast with my friend, Desiree Thompson

One thing I hope you know is that you are exactly who God wants.  Yes, you.  It's so obvious but sometimes it looks and feels and seems like the girl next door forgets this.  There are way more of us regular girls than not and we are indeed an army. We are the hands and feet of Jesus on earth!  So, just know this. Know it in your marrow, your core.  Believe it and let it be part of the appropriate godly confidence that is His gift to you.  It is your heritage, your birthright in Him because He has adopted you, grafted you into His family.  

 Sometimes regular girls need a little reminder of the obvious because, well, because 'life' tells us something different.  You know, we are really not ordinary in the least.  We have a unique calling, every single one of us!

 I think it's good to remember that, and I am getting that reminder full on up in my grill every week when I get to connect with friends.  My regular girl next door unique amazing purposed friends are living out their calling and they have a story to share!  A story of encouragement.  A story of faith.  A story of finding their calling.  We don't wake up one day at 18 and KNOW what we are 'supposed' to do.  Nope.  Even you unusually aware and spiritually mature 18s, you just wait!  He's gonna be the biggest surpriserer of your life!  So leave room for following after Him in full on faith. 

 Y'all.  My friend Desiree will be the first to tell you she never saw it coming.  In her wildest dreams she did not expect to be adopting babies from Ethiopia and then seeing the word 'founder' by her name on the website of a non-profit ministry.  I loved getting to spend time with Desiree and hearing her heart as she shares the journey her family took through adoption and into this new calling.  If you've got friends or family in the process of adopting I hope you'll share this podcast with them.  It's hard to imagine the reality of life as a child with no family, no hope.  Will you bravely, tenderly open your heart and mind to the idea that there are in fact kids who are never, that's incredibly hard to say, there are kids who are never adopted. They are the unadopted. They are who we are to be for. 

 So Desiree shares some ministries with us and I wanted to link you to those here.  You can click on the image to visit each one.  To listen to this episode of The Better Part Podcast you can click on the iTunes icon on the right side of this blog page.  You can also subscribe to the podcast in iTunes so you don't miss an episode!  Don't forget you can join the conversation by leaving a comment here, commenting on the podcast in iTunes (A rating/review is appreciated!), visit The Better Part on Facebook, and you can connect on Twitter or Instagram with #thebetterpart.  LOTS of ways to join in the conversation!  Find one that works for you and connect!  

 I hope you are having a great summer! 

 See you soon!

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Bethany Christian Services












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