Has your family ever been in a total funk where life seems out of sync? In Episode 54 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Kate and Melissa chat about a concept called soul fever, which happens when life gets overwhelming or something stressful happens. They share how to overcome it with kiddos, as adults, and also as a family. This episode is encouraging and practical and will inspire you to simplify and tighten your family bonds.   Talked about in this episode: * What's soul fever? * Kate's background as a Simplicity Parenting Family Life Coach. Work with Kate 1 on 1. * How to recognize soul fever in your kiddos and a solution to help them "heal" from it * What does soul fever look like in adults? * How Kate and Melissa deal with their own periodic soul fevers * Can a family unit experience soul fever at the same time? Yes! * Best tips for overcoming overwhelm to connect more as a family. * More about the book "Simplicity Parenting"     Thank you to our sponsor Audible! We recommend listening to "Simplicity Parenting" on Audible and let us know what you think! Audible, the most inspiring minds, the most compelling stories. The best place to listen. Get started with a 30-day trial when you go to audible.com/cohesivehome or text [cohesivehome] to 500500 and listen for a change.

In another round of our Interview Series, Kate chats with Jeff and Andre Shinabarger-- social entrepreneurs, community builders, and parents with an inspiring view on life. Listen in as Kate talks with them about their views on the connection between minimalism and generosity, showing your kids the world, and overcoming fears. You will love this thoughtful conversation on living purposefully and with less. To find our more about Jeff and Andre Shinabarger:   www.plywoodpeople.com   IG: @plywoodpeople      @loveorwork Buy the book: More or Less

What would it be like to live with no car? In today’s episode, Melissa interviews Sarah Kopper. She’s the co-host of both the Friendlier and Family Pedals Podcasts, she’s an advocate for car-free family transportation, a writer, and a mother of two. We hope you will be inspired and look at bicylcing as a family totally differently!  Family Pedals Podcast Sarah's Instagram @FamilyPedals Friendlier Podcast

Kate and Melissa are back with another short and sweet Q&YAY! In Q&YAY episode 5, they answer the listener question, "how do you do it all?" The two openly share how the last few months have gone for them individually as Cohesive Home has grown. They also talk about their plans for Cohesive Home over the next several months and how running a business impacts their families. What We're Into Now:   Kate: "The End of Absence: Reclaiming What We've Lost in a World of Constant Connection" by Michael Harris   Melissa: "The Year of Living Danishly" by Helen Russell   Thanks for listening! Head to www.cohesivehome.com to sign up for updates and the latest podcast episodes.

  In episode 38, Melissa and Kate team up with 4 other lady podcasts to chat about community. The two share their thoughts on building online community, ways to find your people online, and the value of believing in abundance over scarcity. Let's jump in!     People/topics mentioned in this episode:     scarcity mindset vs. abundance mindset: read this article from The Simple Dollar     Muse and the Catalyst Podcast     Erin Tannehill of A Welder's Wife     Idea of community over competition from Rising Tide Society         To learn more about the other podcasts in our round-up, read on:     25% Friends / Sarah and Kim are 100% friends but only 25% alike. They're two girls who appreciate their similarities, respect their differences, and always find common ground. On their podcast they chat about everything from serious and deep topics like vulnerability and relationships to the fun and silly like their favorite treats and their love for their pets.     Friendlier / It's like eavesdropping on a phone call between Sarah and Abby, long time friends—and now parents—who love to talk, read, and eat. Every episode they review books, share recipes, and explore a sometimes random/sometimes serious topic.     Girl Next Door / Listening to The Girl Next Door Podcast is like catching up with girl friends over a cup of coffee or a cocktail. Former next door neighbors Erica and Kelsey invite you to join them for candid, hilarious conversations about raising a family, marriage, living with intention, pursuing creativity, and building community.     Minimalist Moms / Minimalist Moms is a bi-weekly conversation between two minimalist-living moms, Megan Ericson and Diane Boden. Our goal is to inspire you to think more and do with less.       Subscribe to the Cohesive Home Podcast at cohesivehome.com. Thank you for listening!

The Cohesive Home Q&YAY is a quick and feisty chat with Melissa and Kate to kick your weekend off right. In this episode, the two answer the question: “As a mom I find it hard to meet other like minded mamas. Do you have any advice on how to make this easier?” Listen to the full episode to hear their answer as well as what they're reading and thinking about this week or read more below: Cohesive Homies Community Groups: sign up online, make some new friends, and build your community! Put yourself out there Approach someone you could see yourself being friends with, but also be open-minded Use your kids' activities to search for like-minded people Don't be afraid to share your story and be vulnerable You will find your people! Kate is reading: "Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters" by Erica Komisar LCSW Melissa is crushing hard on: the entire East Coast. Contact her if you want to help host her visit to your New England hometown! Thank you for listening! We'll be back Tuesday with another full-length episode. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram @cohesive_home and subscribe to updates at cohesivehome.com.  

Join Melissa as she speaks with Larisa Barth in the latest edition of our interview series. Larisa is a mother, entrepreneur, maker, and minimalist living simply, zero waste, and intentionally in Wyoming. She shares how tragedy in her family's story ultimately changed her direction and led her to start a non-profit serving her community. That's not the end of her story though, but the beginning of a new chapter in which Larisa and her family realize what they really value is intentional simplicity and learn the power of less. Listen in to hear more of her inspiring story! SHOW NOTES: Larisa's Etsy shop: Joy in the Morning Designs PROMO CODE: 'cohesivehome' Larisa on Instagram: @joyinthemorn Recommended Reading: Joy of Less Held Your Hole Life   To join in the GIVEAWAY of a "Live Your Values" bracelet by Joy in the Morning Designs, head to our Instagram @cohesive_home  (ENDS 9/19/17) To sign-up for updates and the latest episodes form Cohesive Home AND get a FREE copy of our 24 page guide "7 Steps to your Cohesive Home", head here

We're back with a follow-up to our popular Episode 11: Planning. In this episode we share our favorite ways to plan and stay organized while raising kids and juggling all the things we do. We talk about how our ideas of organization and planning have changed since last year and what's new for each of us. Head to cohesivehome.com/cohesivehomepodcast/37 for show notes and to sign-up for all latest Cohesive Home news! Melissa loves her padfolio, which she got from Target, and making lots of To Do lists. You can find the same one here. Thank you so much to our sponsor for today's show, KIND Snacks. Head to www.kindsnacks.com/cohesivehome to get your FREE 10 sample snack box today!

Ever wonder what a day in the life looks like for Melissa and Kate? In Q & YAY Episode 3 the girls chat candidly about what a normal day looks like for each of them. They share about homeschooling and juggling three kids each while keeping a podcast going, spoiler alert: it involves coffee. #momlife  For show notes go to cohesivehome.com/cohesivehomepodcast/qandyay003 This episode is brought to you by Patreon. Head to Patreon to support the Cohesive Home Podcast!

Is it fall yet? In a land of pumpkin spice lattes and cozy throws, Kate and Melissa chat about a different way to create comfort in this week's episode. Calling it "homeyness," the two mamas talk about what really makes them feel at home and the art of creating that feeling yourself. Find show notes and subscribe for updates at cohesivehome.com/cohesivehomepodcast/36 

How do you deal with a partner who is a maximalist? In this Q & YAY episode, Melissa and Kate answer a listener's question on how to deal with a partner who will not declutter and share a surprising perspective. They also chat about their current favorite podcasts and music you should know. Listen now or read more below: It's not on our timing Deal with your own stuff first before requiring that of your partner We can’t change people, bottom line. Change comes from within! Kate recommends the Muse and the Catalyst podcast, hosted by Megan and Aaron Schiller. Melissa loves Zach Winters' new album To Have You Around This episode is brought to you by Patreon. Head to Patreon to support the Cohesive Home Podcast!

What did you want to be when you grew up? In this episode, Kate and Melissa look back at their childhood dreams and compare them to where they are now. They also chat about their own kids' dreams, how to help your kids believe in the possibilities of dreaming big, and also why it matters to do it as a family. Head to cohesivehome.com/cohesivehomepodcast/35 for show notes and to subscribe to the latest episodes and updates! Thank you so much to this episode's sponsor: KIND Snacks! Head to kindsnacks.com/cohesivehome to get your FREE 10 Snack Variety Pack.    

Join Kate and Melissa for the first ever Q & Yay, a short chat where the two answer a listener question, share what they're loving right now, and update you on Cohesive News. These super short episodes are the perfect kickstart to your weekend and will be posted every Friday! On this first episode, Melissa and Kate answer the question: “How can I edit my creative ideas so I’m not running into a rat race of my own creation?” Listen to the episode to find out more! Find show notes at: cohesivehome.com/cohesivehomepodcast/qandyay001 

After a few weeks off from recording, Melissa and Kate are back chatting about the value of self-care in their daily routines. They share how they establish better self-care habits, the importance of postpartum self-care, and how to reset after major changes. Sign up for updates and the latest episodes at cohesivehome.com!   Check out our Cohesive Homies Group board HERE!

Some dreams just take time and perseverance; on this episode of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Melissa and Kate share practical tips for staying the course. They chat about the benefits of community, communication, and flexibility. They also make a big announcement at the end of the episode! Talked about in this episode: The Cohesive Home Family Philosophy Worksheet ...and cat hair. Sign up at cohesivehome.com for the latest podcast episodes and resources.

Katrina Onstad, Canadian journalist and author of "The Weekend Effect" joins Kate on the podcast to chat about how to create a happier and more relaxed weekend. She shares the latest research as well as her own personal experiences, and you'll love this laid-back chat about the importance of a relaxed childhood for your kids, how to cut back on work AND be more productive, the value of getting out in nature, why being social (in person) matters, and more. Visit Katrina on her website Buy Katrina's book "The Weekend Effect" here. Sign up for updates and more on our website at cohesivehome.com.

Big changes equals big purging: In this episode Melissa welcomes Kate back to the podcast after her maternity leave. The friends chat about Kate and her new baby as well as Melissa's new home and how these big life changes are prompting some much needed decluttering sessions. But how do they tackle it all? Listen and find out!   Things we chat about: Melissa's blog: Ourpeaceofwildthings.com Kate's blog: Thestreamlinedlife.com The Rich Roll podcast

From Canada to Argentina (and beyond) in an Earthroamer: Josh and Jenna are the inspiring couple behind the website Nomad Yoga Family. Although the couple had it all--you know, a thriving yoga studio, their dream home, beautiful children, and plenty of international travel--they decided in 2015 to sell-up and embrace a nomadic lifestyle. They now live in an Earthroamer with their two kiddos and travel to yoga studios throughout North America and beyond to offer business consultations and to teach. For more info on Josh and Jenna head to Cohesivehome.com

From California Dreaming to East Coast Homesteading: in today’s episode, Melissa chats with the family behind the homesteading blog and YouTube channel Sew the Land. In 2016, Lorraine, Jason, and their daughter, Penelope, moved cross-country from California to North Carolina in search of fertile land and a new dream. From working in the fashion industry and computer drafting to becoming new homesteaders, the couple has embraced a life of gratitude, minimalism, and connection to the land. Subscribe to the Cohesive Home newsletter to catch the latest podcast episodes, feature articles, and updates from us at cohesivehome.com. Find Show Notes HERE

Cait Flanders is a finance blogger, a minimalist, and the co-host of the Budget and Cents podcast. In 2011, she decided to get serious about paying off her 30,000 in debt and began blogging her progress. When she paid off the last of it in 2013, she further experimented with hacking her life by successfully completing a two year shopping ban, got rid of 75% of her belongings to live more simply, and started the podcast Budget and Cents with Carrie Smith. To catch the latest episodes of the Cohesive Home Podcast, make sure to subscribe at cohesivehome.com. Podcast music: Fernweh (Shore) by Zach Winters

What makes a cohesive home? In the 30th episode of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Melissa and Kate share tips for identifying your family’s values, creating a happier home, and living simply. They reflect back on the last year of podcasting and offer encouragement for your journey, wherever you may be on it. Subscribe to the podcast on cohesivehome.com or your favorite listening app to catch the latest episodes!

Johnny cakes, locusts, and creating homes: in episode 29, Kate and Melissa share the lessons they've learned about living simply from reading the "Little House" book series with their children. The two chat about everything from free-range play and responsibility for kids, keeping foods simple, and the risk with buying things on credit. Melissa also shares some exciting news, and Kate gives an update on her pregnancy. Head over to cohesivehome.com to subscribe and receive an email for the latest podcast episodes and news from Cohesive Home!   Things mentioned in this show:  Melissa's Blog Kate's Blog Kirk's post

Simplifying our homes by choosing quality over quantity: in this episode, Melissa and Kate start a new series in which they chat about applying the philosophy of "less but better" to the family bathroom. The two share how they have simplified their bathrooms over the years and ways in which they are consciously choosing better products and avoiding consumerism. Kate and Melissa also share their love of Turkish towels and chat about a minimalist company worth checking into: the Bali Market. For more information, visit the show notes at cohesivehome.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast player for new episode updates!

Toss the 10 step decluttering guides and tailor your simplicity approach to YOUR Values: In this episode, Melissa and Kate explore the idea of family-sized minimalism inspired by individual values. They walk you through the steps of figuring out your own values and how to purposefully apply them to your home and life. The two also chat about the impact of living simply with children and practical tips for implementing minimalism in a family home. For updates and new episodes, subscribe to the Cohesive Home Podcast on iTunes or on our website cohesivehome.com     59m8j5m8

Would you ever give up social media? In this episode, Melissa shares how she recently deleted her Instagram account and what life has been like post-social media. Kate shares her own struggles to cut back on tech use and the two mamas refer back to a previous podcast episode on technology, Episode 3. Kate and Melissa share some of the reasons why going tech-light is in alignment with living minimally and why you should evaluate your own use. Practicing minimalism is about more than getting rid of physical clutter, but also shedding any time commitments or habits that lessen life quality. For links mentioned in this episode, head to http://www.cohesivehome.com/cohesivehomepodcast/26. Subscribe to the Cohesive Home Podcast on iTunes to hear the latest episodes!

The mamas chat about the must have items for your baby and why you should consider going minimalist with baby gear. Whether you don't have kids or have a house full of them, you'll enjoy this lighthearted and silly episode on the benefits to starting your family out with a minimalist mindset. Kate and Melissa also share about Basal Baby, a new subscription bundle service for newborn clothes and give out a special discount code for the Cohesive Home community. Subscribe on iTunes or our website to receive updates on the latest episodes!

In this episode, the two couples chat about what it takes to achieve dreams while also raising a family. They share their stories as well as chat about what it means to be in a supportive partnership, how it's not always possible to chase dreams and what to do in the meantime, and the role of individual dreams vs. family dreams. The husbands, Brandon and Kirk, also share some words of wisdom for supporting a partner starting a new business and their tips on how to mix marriage and business. Stay until the end of the podcast when Brandon and Kirk drop a big announcement.   Subscribe on iTunes and on our website cohesivehome.com to catch the latest episodes of the Cohesive Home podcast!

In Episode 23 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Kate and Melissa share their thoughts on simplifying resolutions and instead encourage you to focus on internal change. They chat about the ups and downs of 2016, popular resolutions for 2017, and ways to make habit changes an intentional part of your everyday instead of once a year. The CH mamas also review the new  "Joy of Less" journal by Francine Jay and give the details for a giveaway. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch the latest episodes! 

In Episode 22 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Melissa and Kate share the ways each of their families handle spending and how they align finances with their individual values. They also share a few tips for budgeting and cutting back on expenses to create a more purposeful financial approach. Check back in January 2017 for the next episode of the Cohesive Home Podcast and subscribe at cohesivehome.com for updates!

In Episode 21 of the Cohesive Home Podcast, Kate and Melissa chat about creating a more sustainable home through zero waste living. They share some easy tips and resources for reducing waste and also challenge you to try it out yourself. If you've ever wondered how to take minimalism to the next level or if you've ever worried about your environmental impact, then you'll enjoy this episode. Subscribe to the Cohesive Home Podcast on iTunes to catch the latest episodes every Friday! And sign up on our website to receive updates via email!

In episode 20, Kate and Melissa chat about the transformative effect of living adventurously as a family. Whether your curiosity to experience a new culture takes you 30 minutes away or halfway around the world, make travel part of your family culture. Kate and Melissa share their tips for adventuring and raising kids who are inquisitive, confident, and citizens of the world. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes to hear a new episode every Friday and get weekly updates at cohesivehome.com.

Kate and Melissa share their experiences of staying productive without hustling, how they try to prioritize family, and also find time to be creative. They also openly chat about their experiences growing Cohesive Home over the past year while still managing all of their responsibilities. Kate and Melissa discuss what they're truly passionate about and mention a few mamas you should know who are doing some major good in the world. Bottom line: no talk of perfection in this podcast, just honesty and encouragement as you pursue what you love while keeping family and home a priority. Subscribe to the Cohesive Home podcast to catch the newest episode every Friday and head to cohesivehome.com to sign up for news updates!

In this episode, Melissa and Kate chat about ways to pare down your kids' toy collection, helpful guidelines to decide what should stay and what should go, and how to create play spaces within your home. They also share their personal experiences with simplifying their kids' stuff and creative ways they organize the play spaces within their homes.  

In the debut episode of the second season, Melissa and Kate share their thoughts on living simply, minimally, and in harmony with the seasons. They also chat about how living seasonally is a breath of fresh air from the busyness of modern life and how to add a measure of rest to your home this holiday season. These two mamas also encourage you to try a little hygge in your home this winter: introducing cozy and natural elements to your home and making family time a priority. If you're looking for a change of pace this holiday season, you'll love this episode of the Cohesive Home podcast. Make sure to subscribe and check back next week; you'll now be able to get a weekly dose of Kate and Melissa's candid chats on living by your family's values, simplicity, and creating a happier home.

Loving our stuff, imperfect homes, and dirty candles: Kate and Melissa share ridiculous stories about their imperfect homes, weird experiences with German candles, and some candid encouragement for loving the home you're already in. If you need a good laugh and a fresh take on home design, you'll love this episode.

Practicing what we preach: Kate and Melissa chat about their thoughts on social media today and how to balance it with real life relationships. 

Calli Birch shares her family's journey and how she transitioned from being an overworked teacher to a homeschool mama and entrepreneur. She also gives her top TIPS on shopping ethically and how she balances work and family life. 

Curriculum, Supplies, and Too Much Homeschool Stuff: How to make Homeschooling and Minimalism Compatible. In this episode, Kate and Melissa share their own paths to homeschooling and what learning at home looks like for their families. They also confide that homeschooling options can be overwhelming and that educating your kids, like everything else, can absolutely be simple and minimalist.   

Remove closet clutter and love your wardrobe: Kate and Melissa share the juicy details behind their minimalist mama closets, how they create a daily uniform, and their thoughts on buying quality and ethically made clothes. If you desire a simplified closet and need tips for feeling excited about your wardrobe again, then listen now!

  In this episode Kate and Melissa chat about how to begin the journey toward a simpler home, and share some of their favorite tips for decluttering and creating a home that supports your values. If you're a newbie to decluttering or need some fresh encouragement if you’ve been on that journey for awhile, this podcast episode is for you.    

Paper planners, digital calendars, and complicated schedules: in this episode, Kate and Melissa share the nuts and bolts of their planning methods. Planning your days shouldn't complicate your life, and the two share how overwhelming schedules throw off the rhythms of their homes.

Hang up your hammock and grab a cold drink: In this episode, Kate and Melissa encourage you to relax this summer and embrace traveling lightly with your family. They also share their personal travel plans as well as spill what's coming up next with Cohesive Home.

Fight the glut of food nonsense on the internet to cultivate simple menus, feed your family well, and keep everyone happy. In this episode, Kate and Melissa chat about why they're trusting their own intuition when it comes to food and encouraging you to do the same. They also share their favorite 5 tips for creating family rituals around mealtime to cultivate a positive and lasting love of good food and company.

Creativity, curiosity, and unconditional love: making parenting simple by choosing to cultivate these important traits in our children. Kate and Melissa talk about how parenting has changed from their childhoods to today and why it is important to meet our kids' needs to explore their creativity, find freedom to explore and satiate their curiosity, and above all, to feel unconditionally loved. No Harvard checklists on this podcast episode, just the simple reminders we all need to hear.

Fantasies for the rest of us: why you should embrace the quirky ideas you have about what makes a place your home. Kate and Melissa share the offbeat homes they're cultivating in this podcast as they talk about moving beyond home design to creating a home that reflects your values. At the end of the podcast, Melissa announces a giveaway of 3 copies of Francine Jay's newly released book, "The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify."

Outta control schedules and frazzled families: how simplifying your schedule and saying no to unnecessary commitments lets you say yes to a more cohesive family home.   

Do this daily: why simple rituals and traditions are the foundation of a cohesive home and will help your family to bond and make memories. In this episode we’re covering one of our favorite topics, family traditions. At the end of the show, we’ll also share how you can enter our next giveaway! 

"One more show, Mom!" Why taking intentional steps to reduce and monitor your kids' tech use will lead to a simpler and happier home. In this episode, Kate and Melissa chat about being intentional with our kids’ tech use. Hang onto your headphones because we’re going to cover all the topics you really want to know about! Later on in the episode we’ll also answer some of your questions from the last two weeks on Instagram. 

Glued to your phone? Minimize your tech use and find sanity in your daily life through these practical tips. Kate and Melissa chat about being intentional with tech use, then they turn the table and answer one of the community questions from Instagram and share YOUR answers.

In Episode 2 we’re chatting about family heirlooms, the real reason why storage units are a bad idea, and handling the guilt and emotions that often enter our homes with the unwanted items. In the latter half of the episode, we also chat about our kids’ paper clutter, how we secretly deal with it, and of course, mom guilt. Find a cozy spot, grab a hot drink, and pop on your headphones--you’ll love this episode!

Overflowing closets and jam-packed schedules? Minimalism is for everyone; learn how we kicked our clutter to the curb and simplified our homes and schedules for happier family life. We’re kicking off our premiere episode with a look at how we became minimalists, our journey toward creating Cohesive Home, and how you can start living with intention right now. Grab something hot to drink and gather around for a short chat with us!