Ep. 418 Things we LOVE: gift guide!

November 23, 2022

Sure, you’ve seen other holiday gift guides, but how many gift guides are made BY Awesomes, FOR Awesomes?! Meg is joined by Kelly and Rebekah this week for the newest edition of the Sorta Awesome holiday gift guide!

As you are shopping Amazon this season, don’t forget that you can support Sorta Awesome for FREE when you shop through our affiliate link: SORTA AWESOME AMAZON: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Butcher Box: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/AWESOME and use code AWESOME to get two 10 oz ribeyes FREE in every box for a whole year when you join. Plus $10 off!

*Issu: Get started with Issu for FREE today or sign up for an annual premium account and get 50% off at Issu.com/podcast and use promo code AWESOME

SHOW NOTES:

Easily shop items from today’s episode at Sorta Awesome: Things we LOVE! 2022

REBEKAH’S LISTS:

Babies & Littles
Wooden Tables & Chairs Set
Learning Resources Jumbo Dinosaurs
Other Learning Resources Jumbo Animal Sets
Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Stack
Fat Brains Toys Whirly Squigz

Kids, Tweens, & Teens
Book Series Suggestions:
Dogman
Whatever After
City Spies

Other ideas:
Mail Order Mystery
Face Planter Pot
Natural Crystal LED String Lights
Mooas Cube Timer

Adults
Erin Condren Lap Desk
Daily Calendar from Social Print Studio

MEG’S LISTS:

Things I bought and liked:
Shark HyperAir hair dryer
lookHUMAN mugs
Laneige lip mask
Gold hoop earrings
Bose Quiet Comfort Bluetooth Headphones

Quirky gifts:
Flower bouquet bricks
Mini greenhouse
LCD drawing pad
Future Ghost line

Hard-to-shop-for gifts:
Goldbelly’s Top 50 gifts
Tempurpedic sleep mask
Manta sleep mask
Hotel Lobby candles
Simple Modern insulated drinkware

KELLY’S LISTS:

Gifts for Geeks and Nerds:
SnoogTees
My Hero Academia board game
Soundproof foam for walls
Personalized minifigs
Keyboard skins or covers
Custom Converse

Family Fun:
Clue Escape and Solve game
Bonus: Box One
Jackbox
Cravebox
Pasta maker
Nespresso
Puzzle table
Dowdle
Buffalo Games puzzles (arcade puzzle)
50 States of Beauty

Social Media Made Me Buy It:
Kitch—Non-heating hair wrap for curly hair
Woobles
AirPods case
Cool Pet glasses holder
Cat glasses holder

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 357 Awesome Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Ep. 222 Sorta Awesome Holiday gift guide 2019!
Ep. 171 Sorta Awesome Holiday Gift Guide 2018
Extra Awesome: Holiday Gift Guide 2017

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Find Kelly on Twitter , Instagram and on her website!

Visit sortaawesomeshow.com for show notes on this and every episode. And don’t forget to find us in the Sorta Awesome Hangout on Facebook or @sortaawesomeshow on Instagram, and @sortaawesomepod on Twitter!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a tiny commission from the seller at no additional cost to you, if you purchase from them. We only share products and services we have used, tested, and love ourselves!

Ep. 417 Holiday home hacks you're going to love!

November 17, 2022

The holiday season can be … complicated. But your friends at Sorta Awesome want to make things EASIER for you this year because easier = MORE AWESOME. Meg and Kelly have done the digging and researched the web to bring you some tips, tricks, and hacks to make this holiday season just a little bit easier for you! From tree trimming to what to serve guests to ways to make your home look (and smell!) holiday-tastic, they’ve got you covered!

As you are shopping Amazon this season, don’t forget that you can support Sorta Awesome for FREE when you shop through our affiliate link: SORTA AWESOME AMAZON: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

And! Check out Rebekah’s very awesome debrief of her trip to Austin to see Harry Styles over on our Patreon!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Pair Eyewear: For a limited time, shop Pair’s holiday sale for 20% off at paireyewear.com!

*Foria: Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/AWESOME or use code AWESOME at checkout

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly’s AotW: Torani seasonal syrup packs (bonus—this would be a great gift!)

Meg’s AotW: Beyond the blinds podcast

FOR THE KITCHEN

Designed to the Nines (transform a store-bought cake)

Sheet pan pancakes

Ree’s sheet pan pancakes

Even faster sheet pan pancakes (with Bisquick!)

FOR THE HOME

DIY Snow globe scenes

Inexpensive bottle brush trees

Make an icicle hallway

FOR THE TREE

Evergreen pipe cleaners

Kelly’s tree timer

LightKeeper Pro Holiday Light Repair Tool

Christmas tree water sensor

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Cedar Cranberry Luminaries

Holiday stovetop potpourri (Bonus: give it as a gift!)

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 362: Re-imagining Our Holidays

Ep. 270: Hallmark and Chill: Cozy Movies for Your Holiday Season

Ep. 224: Favorite Holiday Traditions: Yours & Ours

Ep. 220: How to be Awesome with Holiday Giving

Ep. 218: Do This now for a Less-Stress Holiday Season!

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Kelly on Twitter , Instagram and on her website!

Ep. 416 Favorite things party!

November 11, 2022

It’s a party, and of COURSE you are invited, Awesome! As the holiday season kicks off, we want to make sure you are ready for every gift exchange you are invited to, so the Sorta Awesome team is throwing a Favorite Things party just for you! Tune in to hear what each person on the team picked to get you all ready for the gift-giving days ahead!

As you are shopping Amazon this season, don’t forget that you can support Sorta Awesome for FREE when you shop through our affiliate link: SORTA AWESOME AMAZON: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

And! Check out Rebekah’s very awesome debrief of her trip to Austin to see Harry Styles over on our Patreon!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Everlywell: Go to Everlywell.com/awesome for 20% off your next at-home lab test

*Raycon: Go to BUYRAYCON.com/sorta and use code EARLYBF to get 20% off SITEWIDE! Or get 30% off Raycon’s exclusive holiday bundles!

*Fabric: Apply today in just 10 minutes at meetfabric.com/awesome

SHOW NOTES:

REBEKAH’S FAVORITE THINGS:

SARA’S FAVORITE THINGS:

KATIE’S FAVORITE THING: This is not a book about Benedict Cumberbatch, Tabitha Carvan

SUPER STAR PICKS FOR FOOD/COOKING:

Bentgo Salad Container

Mini Measuring Cup

Eat Like a Gilmore cookbook

LORI LYNN’S FAVORITE THING: ELF Cosmetics no-budge shadow sticks

KATHRYN’S FAVORITE THING: super soft face washcloth

JULIE’S FAVORITE THING: benefit Highbrow highlighter

SUPER STAR PICKS FOR SELF-CARE

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

Soap and Glory body butter

Mario Badescu mini facial spray

MINDY’S FAVORITE THING: Tim Tam Slam

EMILY’S FAVORITE THING: Better Homes and Gardens candle Farm Apple Pumpkin candle

More fun SUPER STAR PICKS;

Sip Caddy

Zebra Sarasa Retractable gel pen

KELLY’S FAVORITE THINGS:

Dowdle puzzles
Woodfire Candle Co - Jelly Jar Wood Wick Soy Candle (favorite scent: Sweater Weather!)
Béquet Celtic Sea Salt Caramels
Trader Joe's frozen croissants

MEG’S FAVORITE THINGS

Olivewood Cutting board (TJ’s or on Amazon)
Hoop earrings

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 357 Awesome Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Ep. 263: Awesome Haul: Black-owned businesses
Ep. 222 Sorta Awesome Holiday gift guide 2019!
Ep. 171 Sorta Awesome Holiday Gift Guide 2018
Extra Awesome: Holiday Gift Guide 2017

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Find Kelly on Twitter , Instagram and on her website!

Ep. 415 What Happens When You Love What You Love

November 4, 2022

Here on Sorta Awesome, our very first call to action was about discovering the awesome in the everyday, and that mantra has evolved into LOVE WHAT YOU LOVE. But for some of us (many of us?!), finding the freedom to pursue joy can be challenging. Today, Meg and Rebekah dig into what happens in our lives - to us and those around us - when we allow ourselves to celebrate the things we love, no matter what those things might be. If you need a big dose of freedom to feel joy, this conversation is for you!

As you are shopping Amazon this season, don’t forget that you can support Sorta Awesome for FREE when you shop through our affiliate link: SORTA AWESOME AMAZON: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

And! Check out Rebekah’s very awesome debrief of her trip to Austin to see Harry Styles over on our Patreon!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Bare Necessities: Get 20% off your order at BareNecessities.com and use code awesome20

Issuu: Get started with Issu for FREE today or sign up for an annual premium account and get 50% off at Issuu.com/podcast and use promo code AWESOME

SHOW NOTES:

Meg’s AotW: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Rebekah’s AotW: Olive & June Quick Dry Polish (SIMPLYREBEKAH20 for 20% off any system)

This is not a book about Benedict Cumberbatch: The Joy of Loving Something—Anything—Like Your Life Depends On It, Tabitha Carvan

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 392 Romance Starter Pack Part 1

Ep. 393 Romance Starter Pack Part 2

Ep. 377 How to REALLY love yourself!

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Ep. 414 Pro-tips and Products to Make Life Easier

October 30, 2022

As you are shopping Amazon this season, don’t forget that you can support Sorta Awesome for FREE when you shop through our affiliate link: SORTA AWESOME AMAZON: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

And! Check out Rebekah’s very awesome debrief of her trip to Austin to see Harry Styles over on our Patreon!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*LUS Brands: Get 15% off your first purchase of $50 or more when you go to LUSbrands.com and enter promo code AWESOME

*Foria: Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/AWESOME or use code AWESOME at checkout

SHOW NOTES:

Julie’s AotW: Taylor Swift’s Midnights
Related article: NPR Midnights music review
Related article: Taylor Swift conspiracy theories at Vox

Meg’s AotW: Rare Beauty lip souffle: Transform
Rare Beauty Kind Words matte lipstick in Fun

JULIE’S LIST:

Zwilling Fresh and Save

Ayr gel

Chloraseptic spray

Julie’s homemade medicine ball recipe:

1 bag Teavana Jade Citrus Mint tea (or other citrus mint tea like Tazo Zen)
1 bag Teavana Peach Tranquility Tea (or other peach flavored tea)
2 T honey
8 oz hot water
8 oz steamed lemonade (I microwave mine)
Optional but not necessary – one pump peppermint syrup

Heat your water and lemonade either separately or together, put in your tea bags and honey, let it steep for a few minutes and enjoy!

Vicks VapoShower Soothing Vapors Tablets

Shower steamers: Etsy

Allie Bennett on Spotify

SkinFix Excema + Hand Repair cream

U brands soft touch catalina felt tip pens

Li’l davinci art cabinet

Alarm clock

Cookbook: Dinner in One - exceptional and easy one pan meals

Recipe: Slow cooker turkey meatballs

MEG’S LIST:

Abzu soundtrack on Spotify

Finishing Touch Facial Hair Remover

Glamnetic Brush On Nail Glue

KISS acrylic press-on nails, real short length

Kodiak cups

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 281 We're obsessed!
Ep. 336 Go through our EMPTIES with us!
Ep. 364 We're obsessed: life hacks we swear by!
Ep. 375 10 Inexpensive purchases that improved our lives

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Julie on Instagram and Facebook!

Ep. 413 Let's talk about midlife: how to know if you are in the club!

October 21, 2022

It seems like perimenopause is a buzzing trend word right now, but how do you know if you are experiencing the signs that you’ve been initiated into the club? Midlife with Mindy and Meg is back, and this week, they are talking about the symptoms, signs, and signals that our bodies give us about this season of change. Plus, they share some inspiring information on moving our bodies, even and especially when we don’t feel like it! They’ve got a motion sickness solution and the most comfy clogs of the season in Awesome of the Week!

As you are shopping Amazon this season, don’t forget that you can support Sorta Awesome for FREE when you shop through our affiliate link: SORTA AWESOME AMAZON: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

And! Check out Rebekah’s very awesome debrief of her trip to Austin to see Harry Styles over on our Patreon!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*CozyEarth: Go to cozyearth.com to get 35% off site wide when you use code AWESOME

*Pair Eyewear: Go to paireyewear.com/AWESOME for 15% off your first purchase

*Fabric: Apply today in just 10 minutes at meetfabric.com/awesome

SHOW NOTES:

Mindy’s AotW: Hion Anti-Motion Sickness Smart Glasses

Meg’s AotW: Birkenstock Tokio shoes

at Kith

or Birkenstock

or Amazon

Click here to download: Mindy’s PERIMENOPAUSE CARD

MORE MID-LIFE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 380: Let’s Talk About Midlife: Brain Fog and Cycle Chaos

Ep. 389: Let’s Talk About Midlife: Nonstop Appetite & Historical Hysteria

Ep. 395: Let’s Talk About Midlife: Parenting Our Parents and Life in the Middle

Ep. 401: Let’s Talk About Midlife: The Ups and Downs of Sex!

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Mindy on Instagram and as a regular on the Currently Reading podcast! Mindy also produced and created Bookend Homeschoolers.

Ep. 412 Planning for festive and frugal holidays!

October 14, 2022

Times are tough for so many of us right now, and the thought of the holidays approaching might make the season feel even more stressful. But don’t worry - Meg and Rebekah have got you covered! This week, their conversation is filled with ideas and inspiration that you can start doing now to help make the holidays just as fun as ever, even if we need to be more frugal!

As you are shopping Amazon this season, don’t forget that you can support Sorta Awesome for FREE when you shop through our affiliate link: SORTA AWESOME AMAZON: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

And! Check out Rebekah’s very awesome debrief of her trip to Austin to see Harry Styles over on our Patreon!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*CozyEarth: Go to cozyearth.com to get 35% off site wide when you use code AWESOME

*Rocket Money: Cancel unneccessary subscriptions with Rocket Money today. Go to RocketMoney.com/awesome.

*Issuu: Get started with Issuu today for FREE or sign up for an annual premium account and get 50% off when you go to issuu.com/podcast and use promo code AWESOME.

SHOW NOTES:

Meg AotW: Burn After Writing

Rebekah’s AotW: Every Single Album (podcast)

Food:
Rebekah's Favorite Soup Recipes

35 Comforting Depression-Era Desserts

Activities:
Rebekah's Favorite Nativity Themed Picture Books

Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt Printables

Giving:
Amazon Price Checking at CamelCamelCamel.com

Sorta Awesome's Amazon Affiliate Link: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

Follow on Instagram for Deals:

@SortaAwesomeShow
@SimplyRebekah
@TheMoneySavingMom
@JessicaNTurner

Subscription Ideas:
Kiwi Co Crate
Book of The Month
GameFly
Casely

Dollar Tree Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Neighbor Gift Ideas Part 1
Neighbor Gift Ideas Part 2
Neighbor Gift Ideas Part 3

Stovetop Potpourri Recipe & Printable

More episodes from Sorta Awesome
Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Ep. 179 Five Clever Clutter Solutions

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Ep. 411 How to Make Moving More Awesome (or at least less terrible!)

October 5, 2022

We all know one of the TOP stressors in life is moving. Moving house, moving cities, moving countries … no matter how close or far away you are going, it can be so hard! But what if it could be a little more awesome? Meg welcomes Kate Nixon Anania back to Sorta Awesome this week, and Kate has acquired TONS of experience moving through the years, and she is excited to share her wisdom with you, Awesomes! Plus some bookish picks perfect for the season in Awesome of the Week!

As you are shopping Amazon this season, don’t forget that you can support Sorta Awesome for FREE when you shop through our affiliate link: SORTA AWESOME AMAZON: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*CozyEarth: Go to cozyearth.com to get 35% off site wide when you use code AWESOME

*LUS Brands: Get 15% off your first purchase of $50 or more when you go to LUSbrands.com and enter promo code AWESOME

*Raycon: Get 15% off your Raycon order at BUYRAYCON.com/sorta

*Foria: Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/AWESOME or use code AWESOME at checkout

SHOW NOTES:

SORTA AWESOME AMAZON: sortaawesomeshow.com/amazon

Meg’s AotW: The House Witch: A Humorous Romantic Fantasy as recommended by Awesome Meredith of Currently Reading podcast)

Kate’s AotW: The Scholomance Series

Twenties in Your Pocket: A twenty-something’s guide to money management (Kate’s book!)

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Kate's book Twenties in your Pocket on Amazon and find more from her on her website twentiesinyourpocket.com!

Ep. 410 Awesome List Autumn 2022!

September 30, 2022

Break out the apple cider and grab a pumpkin for painting (or carving, if you’re old school!) - it’s time once again for YOUR awesome list for the season ahead! Meg and Kelly are DELIGHTED to bring you the list of all things awesome for autumn 2022 including recipes, fashion trends, entertainment, fall fragrances and more!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*CozyEarth: Go to cozyearth.com to get 35% off site wide when you use code AWESOME

*Faherty: Go to fahertybrand.com/AWESOME and use code AWESOME at checkout to get 15% off

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly’s AotW: Shoyu Ramen at Costco

Meg’s AotW: Maple Greek Frappe from this TikTok
1 tsp instant coffee
1 tsp maple sugar
1 tsp light brown sugar
Ice
Milk of your choice
Inexpensive milk/coffee frother

KELLY’S FALL LIST:

Electric lighter
Korean Beef Bowls from Damn Delicious
Royal Cinnamon from Burlap & Barrel
Natural textures for decorating your home (like woven pumpkins and dried arrangements!)

MEG’S FALL LIST:

Hocus Pocus 2 on Disney+
Taylor Swift’s Midnights album
Woman Without Shame by Sandra Cisneros
House of Gloi pumpkin butter Ghost Puffs scent
Sugar and Spite perfumed spray in Hellsville
Sweet Water Decor reed diffuser
Leaves of Leisure Autumn Breeze tea
Tattersall Cranberry Liqueur

Big ol’ blanket—like this or this or this!

Cargo pants
Clogs
Maxi skirts

PAST FALL LIST EPISODES:
Ep. 349: AWESOME LIST FOR FALL 2021!

Ep. 262: The AWESOME List for Fall 2020!

Ep. 215: Awesome List for Fall 2019

Ep. 166: The Awesome List Fall 2018

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Kelly on Twitter , Instagram and on her website!

Ep. 409 Would You Rather? ROUND 2

September 23, 2022

Take a break from your September stress and get SILLY with Meg, Kelly, and Rebekah as they play another round of WOULD YOU RATHER. This time, the questions were asked by you, the Awesome community! From reading romance novels out loud in public to ruining your favorite shoes with dog poo to the most BRUTAL questions personalized for each of them, these three are more than happy to keep you guessing with their deliberations!

HEY AWESOME! Wondering what on earth to wear this autumn season? Alison Lumbatis of Outfit Formulas has the answer to everything you need to know to look and feel great in the months to come. Check out the FALL 2022 CAPSULE WARDROBE available now! (Sorta Awesome affiliate link)

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*LUS Brands: Get up to 15% sitewide at LUSbrands.com!

*Pair Eyewear: Go to paireyewear.com/AWESOME for 15% off your first purchase

*Dame: Go to dameproducts.com and enter code AWESOME for 15% off site wide

SHOW NOTES:

Rebekah’s AotW: Custom Cookbooks from SimplyCookbooks.com

Kellys' AotW: Mini Turkey Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries

Meg’s AotW: The Violin Conspiracy: A Novel

(Kelly’s BONUS AotW: 'The Violin Conspiracy' is a musical who-done-it with deep notes)

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Find Kelly on Twitter , Instagram and on her website!

Ep. 408 The Books That Shaped Who We Are

September 15, 2022

From picture books read to us as children to our first visits to the public library to the school-assigned reading that ended up changing out lives, all of us can point to books that have made us the people we have grown to be. This week, Meg welcomes Sorta Awesome regular for books and reading Katie Proctor back to the show, and they each bring a list of books that have shaped the people (and the readers) they are today. Don’t miss this conversation about their most meaningful reads!

Come be a part of our Patreon community and join in our FIRST book club discussion of Tabitha Carvan’s This Is NOT A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch: the joy of loving something - anything - like your life depends on it.! You’ll get exclusive content every month plus hundreds of hours of Super Star episodes to download and binge right now! And bonus - get our texting number so you can send us your thoughts anytime! Go to patreon.com/sortaawesome to become a Super Star Awesome!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Rocket Money: Cancel unneccessary subscriptions with Rocket Money today. Go to RockeyMoney.com/awesome.

*Foria: Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/AWESOME or use code AWESOME at checkout

SHOW NOTES:

contains affiliate links

Katie’s AotW: Liquid IV

Meg’s AotW: Sephora #LIPSTORIES Lipstick

Check out our Bookshop list: The Books That Made Us Who We Are
View our Amazon list: Awesome Books

Katie’s list:
Babysitter’s Club Series by Ann M Martin Amazon | Bookshop
American Girl Series Amazon
Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech Amazon | Bookshop

The Iliad by Homer Amazon
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Amazon | Bookshop
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez Amazon | Bookshop

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares Amazon | Bookshop
The Hurried Child by David Elkind Amazon | Bookshop
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving Amazon | Bookshop

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Amazon | Bookshop
Inspired by Rachel Held Evans Amazon | Bookshop
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer Amazon | Bookshop
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Amazon | Bookshop

Meg’s list

Face on the Milk Carton by Carolyn B Cooney Amazon | Bookshop
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Amazon | Bookshop
The Road from Home by David Kherdian Amazon | Bookshop

Beloved by Toni Morrison Amazon | Bookshop
Complete Poems of ee. Cummings Amazon | Bookshop
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold Amazon | Bookshop

Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw Amazon
Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning Amazon | Bookshop
Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey Amazon | Bookshop
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosch Amazon | Bookshop
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson Amazon | Bookshop
The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr Amazon | Bookshop

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

You can find Katie at her website or on Facebook and Instagram! And be sure to check out her latest book Hand in Hand!

Ep. 407 Let's talk about midlife: hot & sweaty, itchy & dull

September 9, 2022

Our Midlife with Mindy & Meg series is back this week, and in this conversation, Meg and Mindy get physical - physically uncomfortable, that is! Two issues that challenge many women in midlife are hot flashes and changes to our skin. Tune in to hear real-talk conversations about how these are impacting the quality of life for both Meg and Mindy, and join them in feeling conflicted about what to do about anti-aging skin products and routines!

Come be a part of our Patreon community and join in our FIRST book club discussion in September! You’ll get exclusive content every month plus hundreds of hours of Super Star episodes to download and binge right now! And bonus - get our texting number so you can send us your thoughts anytime! Go to patreon.com/sortaawesome to become a Super Star Awesome!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Raycon: Get 15% off your Raycon order at BUYRAYCON.com/sorta

Dame: Go to dameproducts.com and enter code AWESOME for 15% off site wide

SHOW NOTES:

Mindy’s AotW: Drive-a-Logue

Meg’s AotW: Heartstopper: webtoon, books, and TV show!

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Mindy on Instagram and as a regular on the Currently Reading podcast! Mindy also produced and created Bookend Homeschoolers.

Extra Awesome: The key to making (and keeping!) friends with Dr. Marisa G Franco

September 6, 2022

What if the secret to knowing how to make friends and to deeply enjoy your friendships is hidden in the story of your childhood? That's what Meg is discussing today with Dr. Marisa G. Franco whose new book Platonic: How The Science Of Attachment Can Help You Make - And Keep - Friends explores the connection between attachment theory and friendship. Tune in to hear what Dr. Franco has discovered in her research that can help change everything for the friendships in your life!

Come join the conversation in the Sorta Awesome Hangout group!

Find Dr. Marisa G. Franco on her website, Instagram, and Twitter!

Ep. 406 What we're loving for back to school!

September 1, 2022

For some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year; for others, it’s the most chaotic! Whether or not you have school age kids, there’s something so energizing about the back to school season! Today, Meg is joined by Sorta Awesome regular Julie Tepperman and they have SO MUCH to share with you to make this back to school season more awesome than ever! From favorite products to tips and tricks for kids AND grown-ups to recipes to get back into the school year groove, you do not want to miss this conversation!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*LUS Brands: Get 15% off your first purchase of $50 or more when you go to LUSbrands.com and enter promo code AWESOME

*Faherty: Go to fahertybrand.com/AWESOME and use code AWESOME at checkout to get 20% off

SHOW NOTES:

Julie’s AotW: Tower 28 ShineOn Milky Jelly in Sesame (lip gloss)

Meg’s AotW: Only Murders in the Building on Hulu. (Sign up today for a Hulu Free Trial using our affiliate link!)

Takeya water bottles

Mdesign water bottle holder

Museum gel (holds things still in cabinets/on shelves)

OxyClean max force gel stick

Fun socks for kids

Grown-up bento lunchbox

Bentgo lunchbox for little kids

Freezer pack-it snack pack, lunch box

Cool composition notebooks like this and this

Cute pencil cases

Shout wipes

Project organizer with dividers and folders in the kitchen (similar to Sunday basket)

Task bracelets: bracelets and key tags

20 minute candles on Etsy

Milk Street: Cookish: Throw It Together: Big Flavors. Simple Techniques. 200 Ways to Reinvent Dinner

How to freeze rice

Lisa’s stir fry:

1 tablespoon canola oil

12 ounces flank steak, chicken or tofu cut diagonally across the grain into thin slices

1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips (or broccoli, or snap peas - whatever you have!)

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips

3 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce

1 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger (or the minced/jarred paste)

2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (such as Lee Kum Kee)

4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces (I usually skip this, still great!)

2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (I usually skip this, still great!)

Preparation

Total: 20 Minutes

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add steak to pan; cook 2 minutes, searing on one side. Add bell peppers; cook 2 minutes or until beef loses its pink color, stirring constantly. Remove beef mixture from pan.

2. Add soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and chili garlic sauce to pan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until slightly thickened. Add beef mixture and green onions to pan; toss well to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Julie on Instagram and Facebook!

Ep. 405 Listener Mailbag: personal edition

August 26, 2022

As promised, this week Meg and Rebekah return to the listener mailbag to uncover the questions that you want answered! The Awesomes have questions for these two, and they don’t disappoint in their answers. Topics include how Meg became so soggy after years of being crunchy, the fictional world they each want to live in, the podcasts THEY are obsessing over and more!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Pair Eyewear: Go to paireyewear.com/AWESOME for 15% off your first purchase

Dame: Go to dameproducts.com and enter code AWESOME for 15% off site wide

Truebill: Don’t fall for subscription scams. Start cancelling today at rocketmoney.com/AWESOME

Butcher Box: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/AWESOME and use code BONUS100 to get 1 pack of free bacon in EVERY box for the life of your membership PLUS $100 off your first order

SHOW NOTES:

Rebekah’s AotW: Ticket to Ride

Meg’s AotW: Laurel & June fragrances

Redmond Real Salt

How Rebekah Set Up Her Toy Rotation System

FAQ About Toy Rotation

Rebekah;s current podcast obessions:

Love To See It podcast

Fated Mates podcast

Meg’s current podcast obsessions:

Obsessed with Disappeared

Normal Gossip

Scam Goddess

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Rebekah on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Extra Awesome: Eating less meat and more plants with Kate Nixon Anania

August 23, 2022

It's EXTRA Awesome time, friends! In this conversation, Meg welcomes Super Star Awesome Kate Nixon Anania back to Sorta Awesome, and yes, they are talking about food again! Kate and her family have been eating less meat and more plants for the past few years, and she has some fantastic insights to share about how to make this work for you and your family in very awesome ways!

Family grain bowl

(Vinaigrette)

Sheet pan roasted gnocci

Garlicky lentils on toast

Chicken and cashew lettuce cups

(How to cook tofu)

Buttery Moong Dal

(Tan France's version)

Mango Pickle

Cooking with Beyond and Impossible Meat cookbook

Sorta Tasty Facebook group

Find Kate's book Twenties in your Pocket - Amazon and find more from her on her website twentiesinyourpocket.com

For more awesome in the everyday, follow Sorta Awesome on Instagram or join our community in the Sorta Awesome Hangout

Ep. 404 Rom-Coms for the modern era!

August 19, 2022

Is the rom-com dead? Are the romantic comedies of the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s just relics of the past? This week, Meg welcomes Mary Carver back to Sorta Awesome, and wow does she have some great insights into the current state of rom-coms! Meg and Mary talk about new trends in inclusivity in this genre of film along with other ways the romantic comedy has been updated for 2022 audiences. Mary brought a TON of recommendations (in spreadsheet form!) for you to check out, too!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

LUS Brands: Get 15% off your first purchase of $50 or more when you go to LUSbrands.com and enter promo code AWESOME

Butcher Box: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/AWESOME and use code BONUS100 to get 1 pack of free bacon in EVERY box for the life of your membership PLUS $100 off your first order

Foria: Get 20% off your first order by visiting foriawellness.com/AWESOME or use code AWESOME at checkout

SHOW NOTES:

Mary’s AoTW: Troublemaker by Leah Remini (audiobook)

Meg’s AotW: PictureThis app

You Grow, Gurl by Christoper Griffin

Mary’s movie spreadsheet

Prayers from the Parking Lot: 50 Short Reflections for Moms on the Go (Mary’s new devotional!)

The Couch Podcast with Mary Carver

Visit Mary’s website and follow her on IG! Listen to her podcast The Couch Podcast with Mary Carver. And be sure to order her new devotional for moms called Prayers from the Parking Lot: 50 Short Reflections for Moms on the Go!

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Ep. 403 Who am I if I'm not this?

August 12, 2022

Career changes. Health issues. Family changes. Extreme burnout. Throughout life, all of us will face moments when we choose to (or are forced to) make big changes that can shake up our sense of identity. This week, Meg and Kelly process through this together as they reflect on moments when they’ve asked themselves this question: “Who am I if I’m not THIS?” (Pssst - they share some helpful suggestions on how to recover your sense of self, too!)

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Raycon: Get 15% off your Raycon order at BUYRAYCON.com/sorta

Dame: Go to dameproducts.com and enter code AWESOME for 15% off site wide

Butcher Box: Sign up today at butcherbox.com/AWESOME and use code AWESOME to get 1 pack of free bacon in EVERY box for the life of your membership PLUS $10 off your first order

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly's AotW: MamaMango Moscato

Meg’s AotW: Magical Mindset Moments podcast

Sorta Awesome Ep. 128: Love Your Body, Change Your World with Jen Hoffman

Sorta Awesome Ep. 273: A Must-Listen to Heal from 2020 for an Awesome 2021!

Sorta Awesome Ep. 193: Stressed Out, Burned Out and Ready to Recover

Slate article: Rob Lowe on sending his son off to college

True You: Letting Go of Your False Self to Uncover the Person God Created

Come As You Are Amazon | Bookshop

Burnout Amazon | Bookshop

This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch Amazon | Bookshop

Your Blue Flame Amazon | Bookshop

Well + Good article: 13 Steps to Finding Yourself—It’s Not Your Average Game of Hide-and-Seek

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Kelly on Twitter , Instagram and on her website!

Ep. 402 Overcoming salon anxiety and getting that perfect cut!

August 5, 2022

Ever wish you had someone to hold your hand at the hair salon and tell you exactly what is going to work best for your hair? How many times have you gotten home from getting your hair done, only to realize you hate it? Our hair is such an important part of our style, but most of us don’t know where to turn for expert advice on what will help us look and feel great! Today, Meg is joined by Jenny Eversole, the creator of Style Space - a company dedicated to helping everyone look and feel as awesome as they are! Tune in to hear why people have bad experiences in the salon and how to avoid hair heartbreak along with some great do’s and don’t for amazing hair!

Sometimes it’s hard to find the good in the world around us, but you can be a light in the darkness with your support for Sorta Awesome and all of our communities when you become a Sorta Awesome SUPER STAR! You’ll get exclusive content every month plus hundreds of hours of Super Star episodes to download and binge right now! And bonus - get our texting number so you can send us your thoughts anytime! Go to patreon.com/sortaawesome to become a Super Star!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Rothys: Get $20 off your first purchase at rothys.com/AWESOME

SHOW NOTES:

Meg’s lipstick organizer, earring box, and new favorite pens!

Book a Hair Styling Consultation with Christina

To get a free guide for discovering your dream style, download your guide at www.stylespace.com

You can also book any styling session in clothing, hair, makeup or skincare with an expert stylist. Click here to get style matched!

Christina's Top 3 Product Links for dry shampoo:

Kenra Professional Dry Volume Burst 3

OGX Extra Strength Refresh & Restore + Coconut Miracle Oil Dry Shampoo

Cake Beauty the All Powderful Tinted Dry Shampoo Powder

Pro haircare tip: Christina recommends doing an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse 1x a month to balance the Ph of your scalp. This also hinders bacteria, adds shine and luster to your hair. While in the shower, massage 1/2 a cup of apple cider vinegar (with the mother in it) into your scalp. Leave on up to 5 minutes. Rinse very well. (or you will smell like a salad).

BRAGG Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Jenny on Instagram and at https://www.stylespace.com!

Ep. 401 Let's talk about midlife: the ups and downs of sex!

July 29, 2022

Welcome back to the Midlife with Mindy and Meg series here on Sorta Awesome! For this midlife conversation, Meg and Mindy open the door to conversation about the part of midlife that can be the most surprising, the most emotional, the most challenging, and the most exciting - our sex lives! Tune in to hear them have the kind of frank, honest, and transparent conversation that you need when it comes to the challenges of sex after 35, as well as some of the thrills and awesome discoveries!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Pair Eyewear: Go to paireyewear.com/AWESOME for 15% off your first purchase

Hiya: Go to hiyahealth.com/AWESOME and receive 50% off your first order

SHOW NOTES:

Noah Kavan’s Stick Season

(fun covers on TikTok from @ratthew413 @imisabeldumaa @moiraandclaire and this clever version from @maisiehpeters )

Sorta Awesome sponsors Dame Products (code AWESOME for 15% off sitewide) and Foria Wellness (code AWESOME for 20% off)

Come As You Are, Dr. Emily Nagoski

Dataclysm: Love, Sex, Race, and Identity--What Our Online Lives Tell Us about Our Offline Selves

Hey Vulva Owners, Your Sexual Peak May Last Longer Than You Think

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Find Mindy at bookendhomeschoolers.com and on Instagram! You can also find her as a co-host on the Currently Reading podcast!