My newest podcast obsession

Malcolm Gladwell, New York Times bestselling author of Blink and The Tipping Point, has a new podcast and I am OBSESSED.

“Revisionist History will go back and reinterpret something from the past: an event, a person, an idea. Something overlooked. Something misunderstood.Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.”

— Malcolm Gladwell

The entire season is great and covers topics as varied as the fall of Saigon to the best way to shoot a free throw. Every episode - no matter the topic - I find myself exclaiming, "REALLY!?!" 

However, it's a three-part series on college that left me shocked and angry and basically cornering people at parties to inundate them with every detail. (Go ahead and listen now and save yourself the trouble.) He begins with how well we do as a country of capitalizing on talent - especially talent found in very poor areas. (Spoiler alert! Not well.) This episode also contains the most succinct definition of privilege I've ever heard.

The next episode addresses how well colleges use their budgets to reach out to low-income students and the last (and most infuriating) addresses college and their multi-billion dollar endowments. 

Y'all, go hurry up and listen so we can talk about it!

My Top 5 Books of 2015

At the beginning of the year, I took the GoodReads Reading Challenge (AND Modern Mrs. Darcy's 2015 Reading Challenge). I set my goal at 30 books, which was TWICE as many as I'd read in 2014. I thought this was pretty bold considering I was having a new baby, but reading is a priority for me ... plus, I found some sneaky ways to get more reading in.

1. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

Life-changing is right. After reading this book in May, I have systematically gone through (almost) everything in my house and it has had a huge impact not only on the space itself but our family life, our relationships, even our future goals.

Read. This. Book.  

2. Rising Strong by Brené Brown

Look, there's Brené Brown and there is everyone else. This book has fundamentally shifted by thinking on LOTS of things. I still think about it and mull over the lessons learned within the pages of this book.

This book made me a better wife, a better parent, a better person. 

3. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This was the most beautiful piece of fiction I read all year. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's words and obserevations are lyrical and beautiful even when they are heartbreaking in their truth. 

4. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

This book. I struggle to put words to the power of this book. Every American should read this book - a letter Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote to his son about being a black man. I don't care the color of your skin. If you HAVE SKIN, you should read it. 

Don't take my word for it. Toni Morrison calls it "required reading." Listen to her if you won't listen to me. 

5. Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell

Sarah Vowell's narrative histories are insightful without being cliche, patriotic without being naive, smart and funny AND historical. Absolutely love her and loved this examination of Revolutionary roots. 

What great books did you read this year?

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4 Items that make your home SMARTER and your life EASIER

This morning I stopped by News 3 This Morning to chat with Kevin Hunsperger about the latest in Smart Home technology. In the past couple of years, creating a connected home that uses technology to save you time, energy, and money has become all the rage. I decided to try out several of the newest innovations and report back!

WSIL-TV 3 Southern Illinois

Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation

A leader in smart home technology has been the company Nest, who "reinvent unloved but important home products." Founded in 2010 by two Apple engineers, they first introduced the Nest Learning Thermostat - a wifi-enabled thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature in your home accordingly. 

We easily installed our Nest within minutes and were immediately impressed by the large and easy to read display screen. I particularly like Nest Leaf™ that appears on the screen when you turn Nest to a temperature that’s energy efficient. There's no guessing - just turn the dial until you see the leaf!

The Nest Learning Thermostat has been proven by third-party researchers to save people, on average, about 10 to 12 percent on their heating bills and about 15 percent on their cooling bills and pays for itself within two years.  We've already noticed  savings in our energy usage in only a few weeks. 

You can control your Nest from anywhere using your phone and set the thermostat to "away" for additional energy savings while you're gone. 

There are tons of rebates and rewards offered through local energy services depending on your area as well so click here to check your zip code. 

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Kwikset Kevo Smart Lock

My absolute favorite feature on our Prius was the smart lock. No digging for keys. Just touch the lock and you were in! Now, Kwikset has brought the same technology to your front door. For anyone like me, who struggles with carrying babies and groceries, the Kevo Smart Lock uses Bluetooth technology to turn your cell phone into an eKey  and unlocks the door with a touch!

Even better? You can set up temporary eKeys for babysitters, house cleaners, or dog walkers. There's a Bluetooth key fob for anyone without a compatible device and two traditional keys just in case. 

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Philips Hue

So, we've connected your thermostat and your front door - now what about your lights? Philips Hue is a connected light bulb that allows you to control your home lighting from a smartphone or tablet. With over 16 million color options, Hue can create the perfect tone to match your mood, decor or party theme. 

We have three lamps in our main family room so, on the most basic level, it's awesome to turn them all on or off by simply asking Siri to do so. We've also really enjoyed the different light recipes you can use based on whether you are reading, relaxing, or concentrating. 

You can even use a schedule to alert you to important events or flash when you receive an email or want a weather alert. 

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Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo was our first introduction to smart home technology. My father sent us one for an early Christmas and - at first - I was a little skeptical. We had Bluetooth speakers so I wasn't sure what the big deal was. 

However, Alexa (that's her name!) is so much better than a wireless speaker. She can set timers and order more toilet paper from Amazon and add items to your to-do list. (She can also control your Hue lights after a bit of setup). 

I mainly enjoy the Echo because it has brought music back into our home. We don't own a stereo anymore or a radio and I moved my computer back into our room. We could pair our phones with a speaker, but that's a little more trouble than I'm willing to go to. Now, I can simply ask Alexa to play NPR or our favorite kids music station and we're good to go!

I highly recommend any of these items for a unique Christmas present to anyone not intimidated by technology and looking to make their lives easier! 

This post contains affiliate links. 

The one household object I can't live without

I hate cleaning floors. Several years ago, I admitted cleaning floors was a thing I don't do. I pay a wonderful woman to come clean my house every couple of weeks and I had just decided that was going to have to be good enough.

Unfortunately, I learned I also hate dirty floors.

I'm not a clean freak. I don't notice dust. I can live with a certain amount of quotidian clutter. However, dirty floors drive. me. crazy.

It's all I notice. I tried having people take off their shoes. I trained the boys pretty well, but my husband is stubborn and my dog tracks in all manner of dirt. As I walk through the house, it's all I notice - a leaf here, a dustball there.

I also got a cordless vacuum and told myself I'd start sweeping nightly after dinner.

That lasted approximately 48 hours.

Finally, I decided I needed a better solution. I'd heard of Roombas - aka vacuuming robots - before. My in-laws had one, but I'd never really thought much about owning myself.

However, that was before I had three kids and zero leisure time.

I ordered one and waited patiently for its arrival.

Y'all. It took me one week to fall very, very hard for my Roomba.

I parked it under my sofa and scheduled it to run Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings. On those days, I close the doors in the hallway and use virtual walls to contain the Roomba to our den and kitchen - the highest traffic areas in our home.

My Roomba - who I've decided to name Carson - vacuums while we're away then returns to its base after completing its route. He passes easily over and hardwood and sucks up all manner of junk.

During the week, I'm usually sitting at my desk in the back of the house when I hear him come on. The sound of that little machine cleaning my floors as I sit and do my work is literally the best part of my week. 

It took me a few weeks to figure out the best parameters and schedule for Carson and every once in a while I forget to close a door and he gets caught on my bedroom rug. He simply shuts down and waits patiently for me to come rescue him.

I love this robot SO. MUCH.

I now have clean floors without having to actually clean them. It's like a miracle straight out of The Jetsons. 

Forget flying cars! I'll take my Roomba any day of the week. 

The Reinvention of Made in America

I stopped by News-3 This Morning recently to talk about products "Made in America." I've been noticing that the internet is once again acting as the great equalizer when it comes to American-made products. Instead of factories churning out mass-produced products stateside, American companies are creating well-made, high-quality products that thanks to the internet are available to a worldwide audience.

American Giant Hoodie

I'm just going to be honest. When my husband told me he wanted a $89.00 hoodie, I laughed at him. He had read a Slate article declaring This is the Greatest Hoodie Ever Made and decided he needed one. I was semi-convinced reading all the praise but it wasn't until I held an actual American Giant hoodie in my hands (and had one on my body) that I really got it. Y'all, this hoodie is SO. NICE. So nice my husband and I are constantly debating whether an event is American Giant worthy. Will there be fire? No go, don't want our amazing hoodie smelling like smoke. Will it be warm and require us to remove our hoodie? Nope, our hoodie might get stolen. 

Have you ever picked up a vintage piece of clothing and thought, "Why don't they make clothes like this anymore?" Turns out, they do. American Giant does and they do that by spending less on distribution, retail real estate, and marketing, and by spending more on quality materials and American manufacturing.

Critical Cycles

Critical Cycles is another company cutting out the middle man and using the internet to offer a superior product - made in America - to a wide audience. I first learned about the company from a friend, who is also a dedicated cyclist. I had told her I was looking for a bike and she quickly recommended Critical.

Critical designs, manufactures, and sell top-notch bicycles at an affordable price. They do all the research and development in-house and handpick all the components themselves. They sell a finished hand-built product shipped directly to you - no middleman so better products!

Critical Cycles is offering my readers 10% off orders over $100 with the coupon code BluegrassRedheadsSaveGreen!

Founded in 2013, FOUNT began with the creative husband and wife team of Phillip and Jackie Wachter pursuing their passion for leather bags and accessories. Based out of Cleveland, Ohio, FOUNT is using the highest quality leather and materials that are not only special because they are handcrafted in America but because they are destined to become heirlooms.

These bags not only look beautiful but smell and feel amazing. Holding a FOUNT bag is similar to holding an American Giant sweatshirt. You feel what you feel when you encounter an amazingly vintage product that has the heft of something well-made. 

Sonnet James

I've already written about all the reasons I love my Sonnet James play dress, but I wore the dress during the segment because it another company reinventing the Made In America label! 

All Sonnet James dresses are made here in San Francisco, CA, with fabric made in New York. Again, by thinking beyond the traditional manufacturing model, Sonnet James is offering a superior American-made product!

My 5 Favorite Podcasts

Are you on the podcast bandwagon yet? If not, get on board! 

Don't listen to the radio you can't control or music you don't enjoy! Listen to some of the smartest, funniest, most insightful people out there sharing content that makes your life BETTER!

I listen to podcasts while I walk in the morning, in my van, even while I knit at night. In fact, I have a weekly podcast schedule. (I know! I'm a dork!) I listen to work-themed podcasts on Mondays, creative podcasts on Tuesdays, fun podcasts on Wednesday, and parenting podcasts on Thursdays. I am constantly amazed by all the great tips and stories and advice I get from these programs. 

Here are my favorites.

I'm a BIG Gretchen Rubin fan so it's no surprise I love her podcast, which she cohosts with her sister Elizabeth Craft. They talk "about how to build happier habits into everyday life, as we draw from cutting-edge science, ancient wisdom, lessons from pop culture—and our own experiences (and mistakes)"

Just discovered The Lively Show and I absolutely love it. From Jess herself, "Each Tuesday on my podcast, The Lively Show, I share ways we can apply this Values-based approach to our possessions, personal habits, relationships, and career. And Thursday episodes feature a guest interview designed to uplift, inspire, or help you add a little extra intention to your everyday."

Conversations revolving around creativity with Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love and my personal hero. What more do you need to know?!?

In full disclosure, Sarah and Meagan are my good friends, but I'd swear I'd listen even if they weren't. I mean they have EIGHT kids between them. Trust me. They're experts.

I first heard of Rob Bell through Oprah.... which really is enough. Then, I sort of rediscovered him through his podcast, which I find so inspiring and insightful. 

What are your favorite podcasts?

Sonnet James: Play Dresses for Playful Moms

When I first read about Sonnet James on Cup of Jo, I was immediately obsessed. Basically, they had me at "play dress." I LOVE to wear dresses, but I am the mother of three boys and these dresses need to be realistic. No short hems. No flimsy fabric. Something with sleeves!

So, if a company was describing their dresses as play dresses - as in I could wear these dresses and still play with my boys, I was all in.

So, when Sonnet James offered to let me try out the Isabel dress, I could barely contain my excitement.

Y'all, I LOVE this dress. It is comfortable. It is flattering. I don't feel exposed or like I'm constantly tugging on it. I can throw on a belt and I feel dressed up enough for a client meeting or dinner with my husband. Or I can wear it with my favorite Chew Beads for a day with my boys. 

My friend Amber Barnett had been following Sonnet James since the founder's initial Kickstarter campaign so she very sweetly agreed to take some shots of me in my new play dress!

The only thing better than the dresses is the story of their creation! The founder of Sonnet James Whitney had a career in interior design but also a passion for fashion and her two little boys. Combining those two passions led to the creation of Sonnet James play dresses! "[Whitney] believes that with the right dress you can look great without letting your clothes get in the way of the next big adventure! Sonnet James was born out of the idea that beautiful clothing should work for moms—durable, comfortable, and beautiful, yet easy to care for. "

Can I get an AMEN!?!

The adorable packaging that came with the dress.

Sonnet James is GIVING ONE LUCKY READER A DRESS!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sonnet James provided me with one free dress. All opinions expressed are my own.

5 Lessons from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Several months ago, my dear friend Annie texted me pictures of her neatly organized drawers and told me to stop what I was doing and read Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.

When Annie says, “Read this book. Do it now.” I do it.

I have been battling with my stuff for a long time. A few years back I announced a massive project in which I was going to declutter and inventory my entire house. Never happened. I tried going room by room and intensely declutter. Never happened. 

I would walk around my house and feel like the piles of stuff were mocking me. I would spend weekends purging and organizing but never feeling like I got anywhere.

I was exactly what I didn’t want to be. I was a stuff manager. 

The problem was I thought I already knew everything there was to know about organizing. What could Marie Kondo possibly teach me?

Turns out. A LOT.

My former "junk" drawer.

1. Everything I knew about organizing was wrong.

Tackling organization a little bit at a time? WRONG. Going room by room? WRONG. Finding just the right “system” for organization? WRONG. 

Marie Kondo throws out all the classic organizing advice bit by bit until she’s left with one simple truth. 

2. We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.

That is POWERFUL insight right there. 

For YEARS, I spent all my energy using my space to keep what I had. If I had an empty drawer, I filled it. If I collected extra supplies, I stored them. If I had space, why not?

Because the space in your house represents the space in your life and there is only a FINITE amount of it. 

Even the very back corner of a little-used closet represents mental energy and how do you want to spend your mental energy? Managing stuff? 

Well, NOT. ME.

My t-shirt drawer. BELIEVE in the vertical fold.

3. Every item in your home should spark joy.

The KonMari method requires you place every single item in your hand and ask does it spark joy? If it doesn’t, it goes!

I know that sounds extreme and she makes allowances for items that you use on a daily basis or need to but can’t afford to replace. 

However, I still think those things bring joy. My little boxcutter tool doesn’t necessarily spark joy when I hold it in my hand. But you know what does? Having it perfectly stored in its own space and seeing that space occupied by something that I use almost daily!

4. It’s about the EMOTIONS - not the stuff.

“When you come across something that’s hard to discard, consider carefully why you have that specific item in the first place. When did you get it and what meaning did it have for you then? Reassess the role it plays in your life. If, for example, you have some clothes that you bought but never wear, examine them one at a time. Where did you buy that particular outfit and why? If you bought it because you thought it looked cool in the shop, it has fulfilled the function of giving you a thrill when you bought it. Then why did you never wear it? Was it because you realized that it didn’t suit you when you tried it on at home? If so, and if you no longer buy clothes of the same style or color, it has fulfilled another important function—it has taught you what doesn’t suit you. In fact, that particular article of clothing has already completed its role in your life, and you are free to say, “Thank you for giving me joy when I bought you,” or “Thank you for teaching me what doesn’t suit me,” and let it go. Every object has a different role to play. Not all clothes have come to you to be worn threadbare. It is the same with people. Not every person you meet in life will become a close friend or lover. Some you will find hard to get along with or impossible to like. But these people, too, teach you the precious lesson of who you do like, so that you will appreciate those special people even more.”

— Marie Kondo

No. More. Stacking.

That passage fundamentally changed how I feel about my belongings. First of all, I realized that discarding something didn’t mean I thought it was worthless. Feeling like a once precious object was now worthless kept me from getting rid of it. Now, I realize I can say thank you for an object’s role in my life and then let. it. go.

The sweater I loved to snuggle up in our first winter back in Paducah? Thanks for the memories and goodbye. The book that changed my worldview in college? Thank you for the insight and goodbye. The CDs I listened to a thousand times in 2007 but never since? Thank you and goodbye.

5. Practice makes perfect.

Marie Kondo has a specific order in which you tackle your clutter - category by category. You begin with clothes then go one by one until you finally sort sentimental belongings.

Over the past few months, I’ve worked through each category with only kitchen accessories and the sentimental belongings left.

It has been FREEING.

She’s right. You get better and better at understanding which items bring you joy and which you can let go.

And, as I get better at it, I feel less like I live among my stuff and more like my home is a place of peace and joy. 

If you’ve felt weighed down by your stuff, this book truly is life-changing. 

Any of y'all already KonMarie converts?