mama media

Hey all! I told you I wouldn't take long - I feel like I bob quickly between writing and painting, and when I am focused on one category, it's hard for me to want to pay attention to the other. The worst is when I can't come up with any fresh ideas for either - helloooo, creative rut! Hello, frustration and rage! Haha, just kidding.. sort of. Creative ruts are so frustrating!
I wanted to post a little article about my favorite "mama media" - podcasts, TV shows, books, and blogs! I figured I would just go category by category and give a little description. (Not all of these are totally motherhood-based - they may just be feel-good things that make me feel refreshed and ready to be my best self.) I hope some of them do the same for you! I love listening to podcasts while I'm cleaning or driving for inspiration and community, I love reading books and blog posts when I have time, and the TV shows I'm posting are great for watching during those loooong newborn nights of waking up every half an hour to feed your little cutie.

Podcasts:

- Coffee + Crumbs

Visit their podcast page here! I have written about this podcast before, and I will reference some of their works later on in this article as well, because I draw a lot of inspiration from their mission and community. They have so many amazing guest speakers and writers on their staff. When I discovered this podcast, I was hooked and began exploring more podcasts! Now, I am a podcast LOVAH.
-The Mom Hour

Find them here! I have been loving The Mom Hour - these ladies are totally real and always speak about relatable and funny topics. It's similar to C+C but more of just a relaxed conversation between two friends!

-Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations

Oprah is love. Oprah is life. I love listening to her conversations with amazing people - some of my favorites have been Dr. Phil, Maya Angelou, and Gretchen Rubin! Give her a listen. You will leave feeling inspired!

-Elise Gets Crafty

I love this podcast! It's all about creative small business - she has so many awesome guests on the show that do anything from blogging to owning small stores to creating metal pieces and beyond! It's great for ideas for expanding your own creative mindset and tips for expanding business! Love! Find it right here!

TV Shows:

The Let Down

I found this show on Netflix - it's an Australian show, and it's about the struggles of a new mom who is finding her mom tribe and dealing with family issues, her old friends not having children yet, and just the hilariously frustrating trials and tribulations of dealing with a newborn. It is a must-watch for those late, newborn nights filled with nursing and tired eyes. 

Big Little Lies

You can watch this show on HBO, or through Amazon Prime if you have an HBO subscription. YOU GUYS. This show had me hooked from Episode 1! So good - it shows the secret difficulties and lies woven throughout a close-knit group of wealthy mom friends living in Monterey. With the combination of the beautiful setting - made me reminisce over my trip to Big Sur with Chris last year - the amazing actresses, engaging soundtrack and mysterious storyline, you will love this one!

Queer Eye

Sigh. I love this show. It's not mom-related, but if you're looking for something uplifting and amazing and you have a Netflix account, give this a try. SO GOOD. Makes me want to polish up my life!

Also, Fixer Upper. We don't have HGTV so I watched a ton of it at our hotel while Chris was sleeping when we stayed in Morro Bay, and man... that show is good. Also, Joanna Gaines is amazing.

Books:

The Magic of Motherhood

This book is beautiful! It's written by the ladies of Coffee + Crumbs, and it's just beautiful. It made me cry and laugh, and remember to value the time with Ben as much as I can. You can find it at Target like I did, or here on Amazon!

-Don't Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

This book is so good! I'm not posting a photo because they have a bajillion different editions of this book and I think many of them could be helpful and useful. (Think Chicken Soup for the Soul/Teen/Mother/Father/Couch Potato/Hoarder/etc.) 

-Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines

Ever since we moved into our home, I've been cooking almost every night now. I love cooking meals and trying new recipes, but I tend to get stuck in a rut with what I make - I make a lot of sausage pasta, tacos, chicken, and baked asparagus. (I seriously bake asparagus at least twice a week with olive oil and sea salt. It's my favorite but Chris definitely wishes I switched up the veggies!) I had been eyeing this cookbook and finally decided to get it because I felt like I needed a real cookbook to come up with some simple staples that were high quality and nutritious - so far, I'm loving this! I might actually do a full week with their recipes and write some sort of review post just to see how I do. I'm so excited to use some of Joanna's recipes! 

Blogs:

The Barefoot Blonde by Amber Fillerup

Okay... so Amber Fillerup is one of those magical people that you see photos of her and her kids and just think, "Life like that CANNOT exist. Why does she look like a worldly beautiful Barbie combined with the essence of an A+ Mother and I feel like I'm barely a B mom who looks like a stain? I'm always covered in stains - poo, a little baby food, plus I'm not the neatest eater myself!" Or maybe that's just me? #whoknows That being said, I wouldn't delve too deep into her photos - they are beautiful, but keep in mind that no one is perfect. I do like her posts though - she has a few contributors and guest writers and there's everything from traveling with kids tips, nighttime rituals, beauty and hair tips and tricks, and playlist inspiration! She has a fun website. Check it out at www.barefootblonde.com!

Coffee + Crumbs

Okay... So... yeah. I love Coffee + Crumbs! This blog post has been the trifecta - the podcast, book and blog! I just love their content - it's real. It's not glossed over or perfect, it's just really beautiful writing that is true and genuine about the real struggles and joys of being a mom. I would recommend reading some of their articles to any new mama! (Or seasoned mama! Or someone who loves a mom! Or WHOEVER!)

That's all, folks! That is my personal recommendations for some great mom-related media I love. I hope you guys find some of these things to be useful and helpful in your life and give you some entertainment and enjoyment. 

Megan