Friendlier

Sarah Kopper & Abby Olena

About

Friendlier is 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 we review books, share recipes, and explore a sometimes random/sometimes serious topic. Join us!

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175 episodes

Getting stuff done

We chat about how good we are at getting things done, which tasks are easy for us to start and finish, and whether anything helps us check things off our lists. LIFE LATELY Sarah (along with all of Bloomington) is prepping for April 8's solar eclipse. Abby got a puppy, Edie. READING LATELY Sarah highly recommends the YA novel, In the Wild Light https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44287012-in-the-wild-light by Jeff Zentner (especially the audio version). Abby has been slowly making her way through the first three books of the Her Royal Spyness https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/383514.Her_Royal_Spyness series by Rhys Bowen. EATING LATELY Abby hacked a grocery store cookie cake for Pepper's birthday. Sarah tried out this Pad Thai recipe https://www.recipetineats.com/chicken-pad-thai/. https://friendlierpodcast.com/2024/04/02/getting-stuff-done/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

27m
Apr 02
Looking ahead to turning 40

LIFE LATELY Abby is feeling good about their family's summer plans. Sarah's kids are enjoying some winter hobbies. READING LATELY Abby read True Biz https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58395049-true-biz by Sara Nović and Sarah read S.K. Ali's young adult novel Saints and Misfits https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31123249-saints-and-misfits?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=uIlDx6pCUk&rank=1. LOOKING AHEAD TO TURNING 40 As we enter the last year of our 30s, we look back over the last decade, look ahead to our 40s, and share how we hope to celebrate our milestone birthdays. EATING LATELY Sarah tried two new focaccia recipes but had the most success with this one from Alexandra Cooks https://alexandracooks.com/2018/03/02/overnight-refrigerator-focaccia-best-focaccia/. Abby shares about a new Trader Joe's product: garlic asiago cheese dip https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/garlic-asiago-cheese-dip-077488. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

23m
Mar 05
Religion and spirituality

LIFE LATELY Sarah is thankful that January is behind us, and night shift is going surprisingly well for Abby. READING LATELY Sarah read (and loved) The Good Part https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/112976344-the-good-part by Sophie Cousens. Abby listened to Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/46184567 by Judith Heumann. RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY We discuss our experiences with religion and spirituality, growing up, today, and how we think about religion and spirituality as parents. EATING LATELY Abby ate Torchy's Tacos every day she was in Texas and has no regrets. Make-your-own sushi is a big win at Sarah's house. https://friendlierpodcast.com/2024/02/06/religion-and-spirituality/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

40m
Feb 06
New year's intentions, 2024

NEW YEAR’S INTENTIONS, 2024 We set our intentions for the year, share our words for the year, and discuss specific goals in various categories. LIFE LATELY Abby is looking forward to time with family over the holiday (plus Tex-Mex!). Sarah shares to home winds: the headboard Neil made and all the secondhand plants. READING LATELY Abby found a new romance series by Sarah Estep--the Brunch https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/74710535-keyed-up?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=3qmI7lFFZM&rank=1 Bros https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/139402767-so-flocked?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=3qmI7lFFZM&rank=2. Sarah read the technology parenting book Growing Up In Public https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71872866-growing-up-in-public?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=1LvNbjaZ7H&rank=1 by Devorah Heitner. EATING LATELY Sarah found success with a traditional caramel recipe https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/soft-caramel-candies/ and Abby enjoyed apple cider caramels https://smittenkitchen.com/2012/10/apple-cider-caramels/ made by a friend. We recommend this thermometer https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/soft-caramel-candies/ that attaches to the pan. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

29m
Jan 02
Reflecting on 2023

We look back on our respective years, talk about how we did with our intention words, and do a lightning round of favorites from 2023. LIFE LATELY Sarah recommends the Fantastic Fiction https://www.fantasticfiction.com/ website. Abby is leaving the leaves https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2022/10/17/fall-leave-leaves this year. READING LATELY Sarah read the nonfiction book The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58950736-the-chaos-machine by Max Fisher. Abby enjoyed the first two installments of the Wilmot Sisters https://www.goodreads.com/series/358450-the-wilmot-sisters contemporary romance series by Chloe Liese. EATING LATELY Abby is very into Cherry Cordials, the best seasonal Little Debbie. Sarah has significantly upped her bean game. https://friendlierpodcast.com/2023/12/21/reflecting-on-2023/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

37m
Dec 19, 2023
Our year in books, 2023

OUR YEAR IN BOOKS, 2023 We share the highs and lows of our reading year as well as our favorite books in various categories. LIFE LATELY Abby loves her new Pact sweaters https://wearpact.com/. Sarah is cozying up with the Calm Christmas podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-calm-christmas-podcast-with-beth-kempton/id1537869969. READING LATELY Abby read the spicy romance novel (set in Bloomington!) How Not to Fall https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27208942-how-not-to-fall by Emily Foster. Sarah read Michelle Huneven's novel Search https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58636923-search?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=tef9BBPudt&rank=1. EATING LATELY Sarah made cranberry orange bread https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/orange-glazed-cranberry-bread/ and Abby wants you all to know about shrimp toast. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

29m
Dec 05, 2023
Our current clutter

We give an update on the state of clutter in our homes and discuss how we think we might manage it better. We'd love your ideas! (And here's the podcast Sarah mentioned: A Slob Comes Clean https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/) LIFE LATELY Sarah ran a half marathon—yay! Abby built a screen door. READING LATELY Sarah read the satirical novel Wellness https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/65650229 by Nathan Hill. Abby enjoyed the first two mysteries in the Jane Austen-inspired Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney https://www.goodreads.com/series/360704-mr-darcy-miss-tilney series by Claudia Gray. EATING LATELY Abby tried out a new spinach dip https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/spinach-dip/ recipe, and it was a hit at her work potluck. Sarah and E made some yummy mint brownies (similar to this recipe https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/classic-mint-chocolate-brownies/, just swap ganache for mini chocolate chips). https://friendlierpodcast.com/2023/11/07/our-current-clutter/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

36m
Nov 07, 2023
Parenting strengths and downfalls

PARENTING STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES We share areas of parenting that come easily to us (and those that don't!), our partners' parenting superpowers, and a recent parenting win. __ __ LIFE LATELY Abby shares the sad news that the hospital where she works will be closing Labor and Delivery later this month. The renovation continues at Sarah's house... In this update, concrete stain! READING LATELY Abby read the YA fantasy novel To Shape a Dragon's Breath https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61937038-to-shape-a-dragon-s-breath?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=1NapnndiFO&rank=1 by Moniquill Blackgoose. Sarah read R.F. Kuang's Yellowface https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59357120-yellowface?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=GMBSMYW2e9&rank=1. EATING LATELY Sarah tried two new recipes from the Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28962869-the-superfun-times-vegan-holiday-cookbook?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=YdOBF6HAaI&rank=1 for Neil's birthday. Abby enjoyed a buffalo chicken dip https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/68461/buffalo-chicken-dip/ made by Andrew. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

31m
Oct 03, 2023
Summer reflections

We look back on how the summer went and what we learned about how to make next summer even better. LIFE LATELY Sarah is picking paint colors again. (What a nightmare.) Abby healed one of her kitty's ears without a vet trip thanks to this product https://www.amazon.com/Absorbine-Strength-Treatment-Regimen-Animals/dp/B0BNLTL71D. READING LATELY Sarah read the Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56401425-the-six-of-crows-duology Duology by Leigh Bardugo. Abby read Feed the Baby: An Inclusive Guide to Nursing, Bottle-Feeding, and Everything In Between https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62905711-feed-the-baby by her dear friend and IBCLC, Victoria Facelli. EATING LATELY Abby loved this recipe https://www.madhuseverydayindian.com/crescent-samosa/ for samosas made with crescent roll dough. Sarah made a delicious white bean chicken chili in an effort to get back to meal planning. https://friendlierpodcast.com/2023/09/05/summer-reflections/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

33m
Sep 05, 2023
Mindsets

MINDSETS We share mindsets and mantras that have served us well over the years, ones that do not work for us, and mindsets we are trying to help our kids cultivate. LIFE LATELY Abby was on television https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikj3Ew4h47I for her work. Sarah's family has joined the local climbing gym. READING LATELY Abby is all-in on Fourth Wing https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61431922-fourth-wing?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MMraOCDNIN&rank=1 by Rebecca Yarros. Sarah recommends Maame https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127281413-maame?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=65X5bwNSpu&rank=3 by Jessica George. EATING LATELY Sarah and Abby both enjoyed meals cooked by their moms: orzo pasta salad and hashbrown casserole https://www.spendwithpennies.com/cracker-barrel-hashbrown-casserole-recipe/. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

32m
Aug 01, 2023
Midyear check in

We reflect on how the year is going so far, remind ourselves of our words for the year, and look ahead to the second half of 2023. LIFE LATELY Sarah’s children are at sleep away camp for the first time. Abby recently did a refresh of her indoor plants. READING LATELY Sarah read and loved You Could Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61273812-you-could-make-this-place-beautiful by Maggie Smith. Abby listened to Remarkably Bright Creatures https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58733693-remarkably-bright-creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. EATING LATELY Abby and her family have been harvesting their homegrown blackberries. Sarah enjoyed a seafood boil on a recent beach trip. https://friendlierpodcast.com/2023/07/04/midyear-check-in/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

22m
Jul 04, 2023
Our preferences

PREFERENCES We share our preferences in our lifestyles, food, music, tv/movies, books, and socializing, as well as how our they have changed over time and whether they align with our spouses' preferences. LIFE LATELY Abby's battling the lice that made their way into her home. Sarah's family is preparing for an egg drop competition. READING LATELY Abby read the queer, young adult romance https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55100346-not-my-problem?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_14 by Ciara Smyth. Sarah read Laura Bates' https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48635408-men-who-hate-women---from-incels-to-pickup-artists?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=r4UuiFY0pQ&rank=1, which she heard about through an interview with the author on the Offline podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-the-internet-is-radicalizing-young-men/id1610392666?i=1000610253513 EATING LATELY Sarah is enjoying homemade sushi, using this Instant Pot sushi rice recipe https://thefoodieeats.com/instant-pot-sushi-rice-recipe/. Abby found a simple and delicious recipe https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/141678/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/ for pork shoulder. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

33m
Jun 06, 2023
Looking ahead to summer

With this episode, we're starting a new schedule for Friendlier. We’ve decided to release new episodes on the first Tuesday of each month, instead of every other week, as we’ve been doing. As our lives have gotten busier, it’s been tough to fit in podcasting, but we love this creative project and connecting with all of you, so we’re hopeful that the new schedule will help us continue to fit the pod into our lives. LIFE LATELY Sarah and E enjoyed seeing together. Abby has a nest of baby birds on her front door wreath.  READING LATELY Sarah loved Romantic Comedy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62628727-romantic-comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld. Abby is deep into The Ravenels https://www.goodreads.com/series/162445-the-ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas. LOOKING AHEAD TO SUMMER We discuss our summer plans and aspirations, as well as how this summer will be different from summers past.  EATING LATELY Abby introduced her children to toaster strudel. Sarah was inspired to make shrimp tacos. https://friendlierpodcast.com/2023/05/02/looking-ahead-to-summer/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

28m
May 02, 2023
Our K-12 school experiences

K-12 SCHOOL EXPERIENCES We share the highs and lows of our experiences in elementary, middle, and high school. LIFE LATELY Abby has poison ivy. Sarah just got back from the SEC gymnastics championships in Georgia. READING LATELY Abby enjoyed the cozy fantasy The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60018635-the-very-secret-society-of-irregular-witches?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=h8onimaeOC&rank=1 by Sangu Mandanna. Sarah read Jennette McCurdy's memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59364173-i-m-glad-my-mom-died?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9Cpema1Ked&rank=1. EATING LATELY Sarah's family is having pancakes for breakfast nearly every day. Abby's enjoying hearty salads for lunch at work. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

34m
Apr 04, 2023
More and less

We discuss what we want more of and less of, as well as things that are just right in our lives. LIFE LATELY Sarah took the kids to their first public meeting. The neighbors fixed the fence at Abby's house. READING LATELY Sarah enjoyed https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58446227-sea-of-tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel. Abby got into the cozy fantasy/romance https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61242426-legends-lattes by Travis Baldree. EATING LATELY Abby resurrected a childhood frozen favorite: Mrs. T's Pierogies. Sarah brought back delicious gummy bears and chocolate from Germany. https://friendlierpodcast.com/2023/03/21/more-and-less/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

32m
Mar 21, 2023
Technology

TECHNOLOGY We share our most used tech in daily life, technology other people seem to love but we don't, favorite tech related to kids/parenting, and our technology aspirations. Links we mentioned: __ __ LIFE LATELY Abby shares that her beloved cat, Duncan, passed away last month. Sarah just got back from a ten day to trip to Germany. READING LATELY Abby listened to, and loved, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57926137-black-cake?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=x15qoYdzXp&rank=1 by Charmaine Wilkerson. Sarah read the tennis novel https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60435878-carrie-soto-is-back?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ydmPe4j5el&rank=1 by Taylor Jenkins Reid. EATING LATELY Sarah a new to her dining experience--Michelin star restaurants in Berlin. Abby tried a sheet pan dinner https://madaboutfood.co/chicken-apple-sausage-sheet-pan-supper/#tasty-recipes-4156 with roasted veggies and sausage. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

38m
Mar 07, 2023
Family food culture

We talk about cultivating a family food culture: what we want food and eating to feel like in our families, what is working and not working in our family food experience, and resources that we’ve used in developing family food culture. Links we mentioned: __ __ LIFE LATELY Sarah and Neil rented and watched  https://www.amazon.com/Free-Solo-Dierdre-Wolownick/dp/B07HMHH52Z/ref=atv_pr_sw_sc?sprefix=free+solo%2Caps%2C331&keywords=free+solo&crid=TYZX3CV43H65&qid=1676945744&sr=8-1. Abby remade some old pillows with new stuffing and is enjoying how they look on her couch. READING LATELY Sarah read  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62296528-spareby Prince Harry. Abby listened to  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61278539-ejaculate-responsibly by Gabrielle Stanley Blair (AKA DesignMom, also the author of this Tweet thread https://twitter.com/designmom/status/1040363431893725184). EATING LATELY Abby made meat loaf https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/instant-pot-meatloaf/ in the Instant Pot. Sarah and her family are loving Cool Ranch Doritos. https://friendlierpodcast.wordpress.com/2023/02/21/family-food-culture/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

33m
Feb 21, 2023
Our winter days

The days are dark and cold, at least in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. We thought it would be fun to share what is bringing us joy, comfort, and generally helping us get through these months until spring arrives. LIFE LATELY Abby used this kit https://www.amazon.com/Inverness-Piercing-Earrings-Hypoallergenic-Sensitive/dp/B07Z41Q2J3/ref=sr_1_5?crid=WN6CIGPAGTU9&keywords=inverness+ear+piercing+titanium&qid=1674100204&sprefix=invereness+ear+piercing+titanium%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-5 to pierce a second set of holes in her ears. Sarah’s kids are enjoying sleepovers with friends. READING LATELY Abby read  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58988411-out-of-the-clear-blue-sky by Kristan Higgins which was a recommendation from a listener—thank you Chrissie! Sarah and E enjoyed the Friends series https://www.goodreads.com/series/258890-friends of graphic novels written by Shannon Hale and illustrated by LeUyen Pham: , , and . EATING LATELY Sarah made vegetarian beef stroganoff (with Impossible meat) from this Damn Delicious recipe https://damndelicious.net/2019/04/08/one-pot-beef-stroganoff/. Abby treated herself to chocolate mousse https://www.instacart.com/landing?product_id=21153844&retailer_id=5&region_id=591213602&utm_medium=sem_shopping&utm_source=instacart_google&utm_campaign=ad_demand_shopping_aud_churned-users-169d-336d&utm_content=accountid-8145171519_campaignid-19324391750_adgroupid-145732911498_device-c&utm_term=targetid-aud-1931642843655:pla-297209332784_locationid-9012561 from Costco. https://friendlierpodcast.wordpress.com/2023/02/07/our-winter-days/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

24m
Feb 07, 2023
Our homes

We discuss our favorite spaces in our homes, the projects we want to tackle, and how we want our homes to feel. LIFE LATELY Sarah’s enjoying her newly installed windows and an accompanying living room rearrangement. Abby passed the NCLEX (nursing board exam) and is now an RN. READING LATELY Sarah read a cozy mystery, The Thursday Murder Club https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46000520-the-thursday-murder-club by Richard Osman. Abby loved the most recent romance in the Spoiler Alert series by Olivia Dade, Ship Wrecked https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59763608-ship-wrecked. EATING LATELY Abby was pleasantly surprised by how well this Instant Pot beef stroganoff https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/best-easy-instant-pot-beef-stroganoff/ came out. Sarah and her kids have been making energy bites https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-bake-energy-bites/ for the kids’ lunches, which they are packing independently. https://friendlierpodcast.wordpress.com/2023/01/24/our-homes/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

30m
Jan 24, 2023
New year's intentions, 2023

NEW YEAR’S INTENTIONS, 2023 We set our intentions for the year, share our words for the year, and discuss specific goals in different categories. LIFE LATELY Abby shares a toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B41LF14L/?coliid=I1CRV7OW53DZIK&colid=2CWAIFM4EXD65&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it all six of her cats love. Sarah and Neil attempted a calendar meeting to moderate success. READING LATELY Abby read https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58803339-the-book-woman-s-daughter?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=CpHRxLem76&rank=1 by Kim Michele Richardson, the sequel to https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40914165-the-book-woman-of-troublesome-creek?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_21. Sarah read Sophie Cousen's https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57070660-just-haven-t-met-you-yet?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_20. EATING LATELY Abby is loving the chipotle pot de creme from El Barrio https://www.elbarriobirmingham.com/. Sarah is eating fancied up ramen noodles multiple times a week. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

24m
Jan 10, 2023
Looking back on 2022

We reflect on the past year and discuss our words of the year, how it went in several categories, and do a lightning round of 2022 favorites. LIFE LATELY Sarah and her family took an awesome train trip to California, and Abby is struggling with the transition away from school.  READING LATELY Sarah listened to  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51374630-calm-christmas-and-a-happy-new-year by Beth Kempton, and Abby enjoyed  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59982083-the-stand-in by Lily Chu. EATING LATELY Abby made an autumn sangria https://www.instagram.com/p/ClM4l0gs2IJ/ (subbing champagne for white wine and bourbon for brandy) on Thanksgiving, and Sarah and her family ate plenty of dessert in the dining car on their train trip. https://friendlierpodcast.wordpress.com/?p=7570 http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

42m
Dec 27, 2022
Our year in books, 2022

OUR YEAR IN BOOKS, 2022 We share the highs and lows of our reading year as well as our favorite books in fiction, non-fiction, memoir, romance, audio, most-enjoyable, and read-aloud. LIFE LATELY Abby has finished nursing school and Sarah is starting a new job. READING LATELY Abby read the novel We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman. Sarah read Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. EATING LATELY Sarah attempted this caramel sauce https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-salted-caramel-recipe/ while Abby enjoyed two new cheese dips from Trader Joe's. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

33m
Dec 13, 2022
Gift giving and receiving

LIFE LATELY Sarah and her family had a lovely Halloween, and Abby gives a winter garden update.  READING LATELY Sarah enjoyed the nonfiction read, Achtung, Baby: An American Mom on the German Art of Raising Self-Reliant Children https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34930861-achtung-baby by Sara Zaske, and Abby read two romance novellas from the Love Unscripted https://www.goodreads.com/series/266935-love-unscripted series by Olivia Dade. GIFT GIVING AND RECEIVING We share our philosophies about gift giving and receiving around the holidays, at birthdays, and for anniversaries. This is an update to our 2017 episode https://friendlierpodcast.wordpress.com/2017/12/05/how-we-gift/ on a similar topic. EATING LATELY Abby's been eating food prepared by Andrew after she works a 12-hour shift. Sarah's jumping on the no-knead bread https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-knead-bread/bandwagon.  https://friendlierpodcast.wordpress.com/2022/11/29/gift-giving-and-receiving/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

28m
Nov 29, 2022
Graceful quitting [2018]

LIFE LATELY Abby successfully completed her longest solo-parenting stretch to date! Sarah is headed into a cold-weather camping weekend; wish her luck! READING LATELY Abby read  https://amzn.to/2Q9sydf by Brandon Sanderson, the first book of a fantasy fiction trilogy. Sarah stepped outside her usual genre and listened to the classic novel  https://amzn.to/2rgEGdw by James Baldwin. GRACEFUL QUITTING We share why neither of us are quitting averse, our most memorable quitting (and not-quitting) moments, quitting regrets, gracefully quitting relationships, and our thoughts on quitting books and television shows. __ __ EATING LATELY Sarah is searching for simple lunches to incorporate into her family’s life. Abby is looking forward to eating roasted cranberry sauce https://www.bonappetit.com/story/roasted-cranberry-sauce-practically-makes-itself, both on Thanksgiving and for many days after. https://friendlierpodcast.wordpress.com/2018/12/04/graceful-quitting/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

39m
Nov 15, 2022
For better and worse

FOR BETTER OR WORSE We share the best and worst traits we and our spouses bring to our marriages. __ __ LIFE LATELY Abby has started her practicum in a labor and delivery ward. Sarah cut off her hair and is rocking the buzzed look again. READING LATELY Abby read the unique and quirky https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56179360-light-from-uncommon-stars by Ryka Aoki. Sarah's been reading more graphic novels including https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6393631-smile?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_5 by Raina Telgemeier, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20701984-el-deafo?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_8 by Cece Bell, and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55711045-cheer-up?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_8 by Crystal Frasier. EATING LATELY Sarah loved the edition of Trader Joe's elote corn to her cheese dip. Abby is planning to try a new recipe for apple fritter cake https://cookiesandcups.com/apple-fritter-cake/. * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

27m
Nov 01, 2022
Listener Q&A

You all submitted a wide variety of questions, and we loved answering them. If you sent in a question, but didn’t hear it, it was probably so meaty that we’re saving it for it’s own episode later on. Thank you for being such great listeners! LIFE LATELY Sarah shares updates on her latest 5K and 10K, and Abby just took her final exam of nursing school.  READING LATELY Sarah enjoyed the YA graphic novel, The Girl From the Sea https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54776523-the-girl-from-the-sea by Molly Knox Ostertag. Abby found a new regency romance series (The Palace of Rogues) and read the first in the series, Lady Derring Takes a Lover https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40374603-lady-derring-takes-a-lover by Julie Anne Long. EATING LATELY Abby has been making root beer floats, and Sarah made a two-layer chocolate cake for E’s birthday. https://friendlierpodcast.com/listener-qa/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

45m
Oct 18, 2022
Novelty and progress

NOVELTY AND PROGRESS We share how we feel about novelty and progress, where we most enjoy them in our lives, where we prefer the comfort of the familiar, and how our thoughts have changed over time. LIFE LATELY Abby prepared her garden for fall, including removing all the giant zinnias. Sarah is gearing up for two races despite limited training. READING LATELY Abby listened to  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55643287-how-the-word-is-passed?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=zVXcimiunA&rank=1 by Clint Smith. We also discussed the interview with Smith and Ashley C. Ford at the end of her memoir,  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54860610-somebody-s-daughter?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=gqpqcDGGAI&rank=1. Sarah was flew through the ya mystery  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54558756-queen-of-the-tiles?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=7UIv2pa3H9&rank=1 by Hana Alkaf. EATING LATELY Sarah has fancied-up her easy enchilada recipe (but still uses this enchilada sauce https://www.budgetbytes.com/red-enchilada-sauce/).  Abby has another five-ingredient Trader Joe's recipe to share: turkey soyaki bowl https://www.instagram.com/p/CeWzm7rvRl9/.  http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

25m
Oct 04, 2022
Best and worst of the seasons

We chat about the seasons, including our favorite and least favorite things about each one, the best seasonal foods, and whether there are seasons we’d skip if we could. LIFE LATELY Sarah’s kiddo HP took his first trip away from home without family along—and did great. Abby and her family watched Coco with the family and loved the Dia de los Muertos vibes.  READING LATELY Sarah had fun reading nonfiction, The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/57569793 by Catherine Price, and Abby was delighted by the queer YA romance, Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50266871-hani-and-ishu-s-guide-to-fake-dating by Adiba Jagirdar. EATING LATELY Abby found a new Instagram account, Trader Joe’s 5 Items or Less https://www.instagram.com/traderjoes5itemsorless/?hl=en, and tried out their Cheesy Corn Orzo Pasta https://www.instagram.com/p/Chk15u1vQmW/?hl=en with salmon cooked in the InstantPot https://detoxinista.com/instant-pot-salmon/. Sarah cooked chickpea + couscous salad from Hello Fresh. https://friendlierpodcast.com/best-and-worst-of-the-seasons/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

29m
Sep 20, 2022
Personal policies

PERSONAL POLICIES We share mantras that guide our lives, boundaries we maintain, things we always say yes/no to, and aspirational policies we'd like to bring into our lives. Mentioned on the show: __ __ LIFE LATELY Abby is enjoying her new art https://www.nicolesimmonsart.com/ from Nicole Simmons https://www.instagram.com/nicolesimmonsart/. Sarah is getting new (black!) windows. READING LATELY Abby enjoyed the cozy sci-fi https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40864002-a-psalm-for-the-wild-built?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_18 by Becky Chambers. Sarah was delighted by Bonnie Garmus's novel https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58065033-lessons-in-chemistry?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=F89H7FHXuF&rank=1. EATING LATELY Sarah attempted homemade cold brew coffee. Abby has found the perfect snack: mini-Kind bars. http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

27m
Sep 06, 2022
Frugality lately

We chat about how we’re coping with inflation, what frugal tricks have helped, and our frugal aspirations. READING LATELY Sarah read another family gap year memoir, We Came, We Saw, We Left  https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/53642063by Charles Wheelan. Abby was compelled by but is not sure what to think of Magic for Liars https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34594037-magic-for-liars by Sarah Gailey. LIFE LATELY Sarah and her kids cleaned the kids’ room. Abby is  done with her semester. EATING LATELY Abby has been enjoying peach salsa her in-laws brought to town, and Sarah is into Everything But the Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe’s on ramen and popcorn. https://friendlierpodcast.com/frugality-lately/ http://www.instagram.com/friendlierpodcast * Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy https://acast.com/privacy for more information.

27m
Aug 23, 2022