Smith & Steward

A home that seeks to build up the character and intellect of those who dwell there will naturally be a home filled with books. In this episode, Ellie explores the reasons why it's important to have a library, plus a handful of tips on how to increase both the frequency and quality of your reading habit. Mentioned in this episode: Bright Hearth episode "On the Multiplication of Books" Steward Sparker: Page Petal handmade floral bookmarks @pagepetal on Instagram Follow @smithandsteward on Instagram Send Ellie an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

If you're a homemaker, then you should also consider yourself to be an artist! Homemaking is an art form that involves a lot of creative decision-making and problem solving in order to transform your house into a home! This week, artist Elizabeth Langston—host of the Able to Bloom podcast and founder of Elizabeth Langston Art—shares some encouragement and practical tips with each of us when it comes to 1) considering ourselves to be an artist and 2) using artistic methods to beautify and improve our homes. Resources: Able to Bloom podcast abletobloom.co @abletobloompod on Instagram Elizabeth Langston Art on Etsy "consider the lilies" tee shirt Elizabeth's white sectional couch Steward Sparkers: similar llama embroidery kit Fierce Marriage podcast a glimpse into Ellie's garden Follow Smith & Steward on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

After discovering the benefits in her own personal life and marriage that came from embracing her feminine identity and role, Ellie was eager to encourage other women to do the same. But what does femininity truly look like? Instead of basing this image on cultural trends and traditions, this episode dives into Scripture—Proverbs 31 in particular—to discover what God says about femininity. Steward Sparker: Brian Sauvé on Spotify Follow @smithandsteward on Instagram Send Ellie an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

As we prepare to celebrate the women who raised us on Mother's Day, Ellie sits down for a conversation with her own mom about the joys and trials of motherhood. Whether you're a young mother, an experienced matriarch, or someone who dreams of that bond in the future, we hope this episode encourages you in your role. Follow us on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

Whether you've been hit with a bout of sudden sickness (like Ellie was recently), are struggling with depression, or have been enduring another long-term hurt, sometimes there are seasons when homemaking is just harder. In this episode, find encouragement and hope that life does not have to always be perfect, but also discover practical tips for getting through the hard seasons and then discovering your inspiration and love for homemaking once again on the other side. Referenced in this episode: Sally Clarkson The Life Giving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson At Home with Sally podcast Sally's recent episode "Rainy Days Will Always Come" But First, Coffee: 2-Hour Home Reset video Smith & Steward episode 4 "Creating a Cleaning Rhythm" Smith & Steward episode 10 "Taking Time for Tea" Smith & Steward episode 17 "Easy Nutrition for Homemakers" with Shelby Lancaster Smiplified meal-planning notebook Preppy Kitchen tortellini soup recipe Steward Sparker: Honey white bread recipe Follow me on Instagram @smithandsteward Send me an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

Today, Ellie is joined by guest Jill McSheehy of The Beginner's Garden for a discussion of all things green and growing. Jill shares simple, practical tips for getting started in the garden for those of us who are brand new to the endeavor, drawing from her years of experience stewarding her own plot of land. We also talk about the benefits that gardening has on one's mental and physical health, as well as our spiritual walks. Learn more about Jill McSheehy: journeywithjill.com The Beginner's Garden Podcast The Beginner's Garden on YouTube Follow @thebeginnersgarden on Instagram Dream to Garden course (open through 4/18/23) Steward Sparkers: GreenStalk Garden Planter Follow @smithandsteward on Instagram Send Ellie an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

As Easter Sunday approaches, Ellie daydreams about her own plans for the holiday, both this year and in the future. Nostalgia for the past and an appreciation for tradition color today's discussion, which centers around the reason we celebrate rebirth and hope this time of year: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mentioned in this episode: Resurrection Eggs from Christianbook.com Steward Sparker: Fatema Hijazi of Crème au Beurre cremeaubeurre.com Follow her on Instagram @cremeaubeurre Follow us on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

Don't let spring cleaning stress you out. Ellie shares her thoughts as she approaches her very first spring cleaning session, including tips and inspiration for streamlining your seasonal cleaning routine. Resources mentioned: Smith & Steward episode 4 "Creating a Cleaning Rhythm" Kallie Branciforte of But First, Coffee on YouTube The Fly Lady Additional checklist resources: The Fly Lady free cleaning checklist app This Gathered Nest downloadable checklist Martha Stewart 2023 spring cleaning guide Clutter Bug spring cleaning checklist Steward Sparker: Her86m2 on YouTube @thuydao__ on Instagram her86m2.com Follow Smith & Steward on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

Shelby Lancaster of @simplehomemakermeals joins Ellie today for a discussion of how to make mealtime easier, while still being both delicious and nutritious. Resources mentioned in this episode: Nourishing Traditions cookbook Danielle from @jonesroots "bake the bad bread" recipe box from Hobby Lobby Learn more about Shelby: @simplehomemakermeals on Instagram Back to Homemaking Collective Follow Smith & Steward on Instagram @smithandsteward Send me an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

In this episode, Ellie shares her thoughts on the big picture: the motivation for your homemaking. Your purpose. The meaning behind what you do. The answer is found when we dive into the concept of biblical stewardship and caring for something that does not, in fact, belong to us in the end. Referenced in this episode: Psalm 24:1–2 1 Chronicles 29:11–12 Matthew 25:14–30 @itskellydiane on Instagram and her post that Ellie quoted Westminster shorter catechism Bright Hearth podcast episode that mentions catechisms Steward Sparker: @telloandrose on Instagram her post with the bread recipe Ellie used Follow @smithandsteward on Instagram Send Ellie an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

This week, Ellie is joined by guest Emma Wells, a biblical marriage coach with a strong Instagram presence where she shares practical, simple advice for deepening your connection and strengthening communication with your spouse. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Ellie and Emma sit down to talk about what it looks like to have a home where romance is alive, no matter where our starting point is! Resources from this episode: Follow Emma on Instagram @mrs.emmawells 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge from Revive Our Hearts Steward Sparkers: Pinterest Storyworth Follow Ellie on Instagram @smithandsteward Or send me an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com.

Habits are one of the simplest and most powerful tools we can use to achieve our goals... and yet they can seem so impossible to put into place. Breaking bad habits, forming good ones, creating and sticking to routines—all of it boils down to consistency. In this episode, Ellie talks about the importance of habits, her current struggles and aspirations regarding them, and several practical tips you can use in creating and sticking to your own. Referenced in this Episode: "A habit is the way we wear our days." —Ann Voskamp Dwell episode about habits Smith & Steward episode 013 on goal setting The Bible Recap podcast A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace  Able to Bloom episode about habits Routines by Care/Of app The Homemaker's Club podcast and Instagram Homemakers I've learned from: Kallie Branciforte of But First, Coffee Natalie Bennett on YouTube Jennifer L. Scott of The Daily Connoisseur Sally Clarkson Robin from Faith and Flour The Thankful Homemaker podcast The Art of Homemaking podcast Follow me on Instagram @smithandsteward Send me an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

Have big dreams for 2023? Not sure where to start, since new year's resolutions don't seem to work for you? In this episode, I share the process I went through in setting my goals for this year: from doing self-reflection on "the woman I want to be" to getting specific with the habits I will need to form in order to be successful in achieving those dreams. Join me in looking forward to a wonderful year! Resources mentioned in this episode: The Simplified Podcast on "deciding once" Kallie Branciforte’s goal-setting video on her channel But First, Coffee Episode 2 of Smith & Steward about my planner system Other goal resources not specifically mentioned: The Daily Grace Podcast episode Sally Clarkson's podcast episode Cultivate What Matters episode Steward Sparker: Bright Hearth On Apple podcasts On Spotify (Anchor) On Stitcher Follow me on Instagram @smithandsteward Send me an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

In this bonus episode, we chat about all things Christmas. Remind yourself what the season is all about, find inspiration for enjoying the simple moments with intentionality and spend time with those you love most. Merry Christmas, dear homemakers! And happy New Year! P.S. Stay tuned at the end of this episode for a sneak peek and announcement about Season 2 of the Smith & Steward podcast! Mentioned in this episode: The Three Trees book The Daily Connoisseur on YouTube Jennifer Scott's video with orange ornaments My inspiration for Beef Wellington Secret Santa generator, drawnames.com Steward Sparkers: Space heater similar to mine The Daily Grace podcast mini mediation episodes on Christ on hope on peace on joy on love Follow me on Instagram @smithandsteward Send me an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

Settle in for a cozy and casual chat about all things Thanksgiving. As I prepare to host this autumn holiday for the very first time, I realize there is so much to do—all of which I talk through in this episode. But more importantly, we'll chat about the heart of this gathering: gratitude and family. Let that be your focus as you enter into this Thanksgiving, fellow homemakers! Referenced in this episode: Anna De Salvo Murphy on Instagram @annadesalvomurphy Link in her bio for the Simple Thanksgiving Planner Steward Sparker: Natalie Bennett on YouTube nataliebennett.com The hostessing video I mentioned Follow me on Instagram @smithandsteward Send me an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

Have you ever felt burnout? Many of us have, but it’s so often talked about in strictly a professional/career context. In this episode, Ellie shares her own struggles of facing burnout as a homemaker, where it’s not possible to clock out or take a day off in the same way that we can with work outside the home. Listen in for a healing perspective and hopeful thoughts, as well as five practical tips to help get you out of burnout and prevent it in the future. Referenced in this Episode: Routines by Care/Of free mobile app The Fly Lady Kallie Branciforte: But First, Coffee Kallie’s video on shining your sink Other Helpful Resources: The Daily Grace Podcast episode about burnout Steward Sparker: Coffee then Color with Jesus by Audrey Bailey of Brush and Barley Secret Garden by Johanna Basford Follow me on Instagram @smithandsteward Send me an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

In the busyness of life, it can be easy to let sweet moments pass us by, being too consumed by the chaos to create and enjoy them. In today's episode, Ellie reminds us how important it is to take a few minutes, breathe deeply, and appreciate life. And we'll do that through the beautiful ritual of taking tea.  Whether you're a regular tea connoisseur or someone who has no clue how to even make a cup of tea, you'll be able to learn and find inspiration from this discussion, which includes recipes for cozy drinks, tips on how to have a formal afternoon tea, and the reason it's important to take pause even in a more casual setting—such as a bedtime chamomile while wearing pajamas. Referenced in this Episode: Afternoon tea etiquette video from Woman of Elegance Afternoon tea etiquette video from Jamila Musayeva My favorite earl grey tea My choice of chai A basic English Breakfast blend The lavender chamomile I drink at night My friend Elizabeth's latte recipe (on which mine is based) Steward Sparker: The mug I've been using The Daily Grace Co. The Daily Grace Podcast on Apple Podcasts Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem Follow Ellie on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at smithandsteward@gmail.com

Ellie is currently working on plans for her very first full-size vegetable garden in the spring! Join me in all the preparations and thoughfulness that will go into this labor of love, and look forward to the green and growing days ahead. Referenced in this episode: Naynay's lended book—The Essential Gardening Encyclopedia Sun Calc—suncalc.org Find your hardiness zone—USDA.gov Some sprinklers I'm considering buying—properlyrooted.com Steward Sparker: Melissa K. Norris—melissaknorris.com Pioneering Today podcast—via Apple Podcasts The Family Garden Planner—available online Send me a message: What's your hardiness zone? Smith & Steward on Instagram @smithandsteward email me at smithandsteward@gmail.com

For us homebody homemakers who don't often have to leave the house, it can be easy sometimes to want to relax in leggings or pajamas. But getting dressed and ready for the day has a big impact! It will affect our own mental health, reminding us of our value, it will show examples of love and beauty to our family, and it will send a message to the outside world that may pass us in the grocery store about what we believe. In this episode, Ellie explores the reason we should care what we wear, and also offers up some practical help for how to find your personal style, to curate a well-chosen wardrobe, and more. Referenced in this episode: The Bright Hearth Podcast episode about the closet Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix Marie Kondo's book collection Dawn The Minimal Mom video about the "time will tell" bin The Everyday Style School podcast episode about a valuable wardrobe The Color Key on Instagram @thecolorkey_ Habits by Care/Of routine tracking app Steward Sparker: Nicola Bathie McLaughlin @nicolabathiemclaughlin on Instagram Nicola Bathie Jewelry @nicolabathiejewelry on Instagram nicolabathie.com

Getting food on the table is one of the most important things we do as homemakers—after all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, as they say. Yet it's so easy to be overwhelmed when we get there, looking at the thousands of recipe options available at our fingertips or the daunting task of making something that is healthy and nutritious, while also being cost-efficient and timely. Don't let the chaos get to you! This episode walks you through the basics of meal planning, touching on the essentials you need to know while still keeping it simple. Resources mentioned in this episode: The recipe box Ellie uses from Hobby Lobby Hello Fresh meal delivery service Calling All Cooks classic southern cookbook Walmart app for online grocery orders Steward Sparker: Vintage Autumn playlist on Spotify Ellie's ham and cheese pie recipe on Instagram Follow Smith & Steward on Instagram @smithandsteward Email Mrs. Smith at smithandsteward@gmail.com.