The English Homemaker

This episode of The English Homemaker is about finding the balance between practicality and beauty in your wardrobe. Whilst also balancing a budget and wanting to choose as sustainably as we can!I share how I purchase new items, and what happens to things in my wardrobe that are past their best.Repeat after me, 'I will not settle for "good enough"' ! AND 'I will remember that I am important enough to get dressed properly, shower and do my hair the way I like' (it is not frivolous, it is a power move!)To see the latest things I've bought (aka my new Next jeans, jewellery and tincloth coat), and some of my favourite forever pieces in my wardrobe, visit:https://shopmy.us/theenglishhomemaker/shelvesShop my Vinted (follow me to see when I upload new items and purchase my second hand bits and bobs):https://www.vinted.co.uk/member/228831891-alievehanMentioned:Beth Jones Style https://www.youtube.com/@bjonesstyleStyleBook App https://stylebookapp.com/Old Loser in Brooklyn 75 Hard Style Challenge https://oldloserinbrooklyn.substack.com/p/75-hard-style-challenge-20Sprout Organic (the best knickers!!) https://sproutorganic.co.uk/To learn more about Kantamanto market in Ghana, and where your clothes go eventually https://www.instagram.com/chemiteijanet/Visible Mending Course I did on Zoom (loved it!) https://www.collingwoodnorrisdesign.com/visible-mendingMending Life by Nina and Sonya Montenegro https://amzn.to/4uS8gVzMy Autumn Wardrobe Audit, Switchover & Declutter https://youtu.be/Hu6NzW5_S0wEleanor Cripps Intuitive Dressing and The Wardrobe Reset (postpartum dressing) https://www.instagram.com/eleanor.crippsThe Curated Closet by Anuschka Rees https://amzn.to/4tfoF4FGet your colours done with Colour Me Beautiful https://www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk/Nancy Birtwhistle book https://amzn.to/4dfNg4CI am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at:https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelynMusic: Dove Love by Quincas MoreiraFor business enquiries: notjustapples @ gmail.comI receive a small % of commission from anything bought via any amazon/shopmy links above. It doesn’t cost you any more, but is a little way that you help this podcast keep on going.

This episode of The English Homemaker is about all things postpartum... I share my birth story (well "our" birth story really, it's hers and mine), how I prepared my home and my mind for a nourishing postpartum, what I cooked, and how I advocated for myself throughout. I talk about why Community is the most important thing, but how that can look different for everyone. .. Mentioned:What I Would've Packed in my Hospital Bag if I'd have known I was going to have an Emergency C-Section Video https://youtu.be/R8bui_BurhkOur Summer Trip to Sweden (where I realised I wanted another baby) https://youtu.be/cdsaWxRNg0UFavourite Nursing Snack this time around: Rhythm 108 Swiss Vegan Creamy Coconut Bar with Dark Chocolate https://amzn.to/4blAq2e (aff link)Set a meal train up for yourself or a friend! https://www.mealtrain.com/Our Family Life in Lockdown https://youtu.be/Lr7XLdiAnsYMotherbloom https://www.instagram.com/motherbloom_/AbiSmissen https://www.instagram.com/abismissen/The First 40 Days by Heng Ou https://amzn.to/4s4OQL5 (aff link)I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at:https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelynMusic: Dove Love by Quincas MoreiraFor business enquiries: notjustapples @ gmail.comI receive a small % of commission from anything bought via any amazon links above. It doesn’t cost you any more, but is a little way that you help this podcast keep on going.

This episode of The English Homemaker is about joy! How we can cultivate it, build it, nurture it, experience it. All the different ways we are doing that in our family at the moment. This episode could be a whole book in itself, so excuse the short episode, but I hope it helps in some way on these dark winter days.From seashells to sunsets, from hygge lights to belly laughs, from long pushchair walks to the postbox to weekends away in the countryside, we talk about so many things..."The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." E.E.CummingsI am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at:https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelynMentioned:Gabrielle Feather 100 Things to do Now You are Collapse Aware https://gabriellefeather.substack.com/p/100-things-to-do-now-you-are-collapseHannah McNeely : Falling in Love with Motherhood https://youtu.be/oImJrFZOgmYElisa Rathje : Having Awoken (The Journal of Small Work) - https://appleturnover.substack.com/p/having-awokenAlso see episode 13 of this podcast for our gorgeous conversation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jwpAnAO_2EMichael McIntyre Silent Letter Day https://youtu.be/sOUqHr9tcVYIkea Akterspring Table LampBorrowbox Library Appanourishedmother on InstagramBooks:All Year Round by Ann Druitt, Christine Fynes-Clinton, Marije RowlingAggressively Happy by Joy ClarksonSlow Family Living by Bernadette NollThe Happiness Project by Gretchen RubinMusic: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is about conscious/principled spending, rising food prices and our two week pantry challenge. I've been excusing our spending on food for months now, and it is time to take action! I talk through the meal plan, what budget dinners we have made and will be making, and the things I will be buying during the challenge. Mentioned: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn Immy Lucas / Sustainably Vegan Three Rivers Homestead #threeriverschallenge I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is about pottering through the house intuitively, listening to the still small voice and getting rid of the to-do lists. I also tell you a couple of personal things I've been keeping to myself, and how that's challenging me. I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is about the joy, abundance and overwhelm of Christmas for the homemaker. I talk about how I set about creating a really intentional advent season, how I learnt to say 'no', take the pressure off and choose what our family needs. I discuss the slow living Christmas ideas I have already set in motion, how I space and plan everything out and what warm, cosy activities we've got going for December. "May the blessing of light be on you, light without and light within. May the blessed sunshine shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire, so that the stranger may come and warm himself at it, and also a friend." Traditional Irish Blessing Mentioned: Episode 14 Choosing Joy and Restorying Christmas with Martin Carter https://youtu.be/mF5Lo5Llx-0 Updated Home Tour on my Alissa Evelyn YouTube channel https://youtu.be/VIEVnpud1NY Crowdfarming - Direct from the grower Organic Fruit https://www.crowdfarming.com/en/search?q=persimmons&tab=boxes&sort=date Copper String Lights for the stairs https://www.noma.co.uk/products/200-fit-forget-b-o-warm-white-bare-wire-led-string-lights Grapat Advent Calendar https://www.grapat.eu/products/advent-calendar/ Slow Scenes of Home Advent resource https://www.instagram.com/slowscenesofhome/ Earth Prayers from Around the World by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is about home renovations, the ups and downs of having our bathroom redone and our rooms painted. And ultimately about always choosing joy in the process, practicing gratitude and why we consistently choose good quality over the cheaper, easier option. Mentioned: Episode with Lizzie "Colourful Country Living" https://youtu.be/0MUUUbDVdBI?si=pb1J9ReDb8aPpkbj Rajiv Surendra's Autumn Wardrobe https://youtu.be/8UtkOreF_Lo?si=oBPo_ABuUgJd8oRg My craft room tour https://youtu.be/LqnHzgx7ALc?si=AmKyRgc0kMid-z0x My house tour from 5 years ago https://youtu.be/OPueJq7R4lE?si=mypX87ZO3y289kCN All Creatures Great and Small on Channel 5 I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is the continuation of our last episode, we came back to talk through Permaculture principles 7-12, delve in to how they can apply to much more than the garden, and explain this deep way of living in culture. It's an intense episode, delving into the psychological ways we can apply these ideas as well as the practical. But goodness gracious, these are life-changing, mind-blowing ideas! Find Martin at: http://www.instagram.com/therootsandbones Mentioned: The Milkwood Permaculture Handbook by Kirsten Bradley Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift Elisa Rathje Stacking Functions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDSyYiJ2jQY Apple Turnover TV Grapevine for Natural Cooling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfeuMyQYu2o John Jeavons How to Grow More Vegetables https://johnjeavons.org/books-and-videos/ Kezia of The Whole Home https://www.thewholehome.co.uk/ Retrosuburbia by David Holmgren The Way Home by Mark Boyle (and The Moneyless Man) I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is a conversation with my brother, Martin, about how we can start to use the principles of permaculture as homemakers. We talk through our beginner level understanding of the fascinating ethics and principles behind this design science. It's super applicable to all of us, it's not about agriculture, it's not about homesteading, it's a way of living in alignment with our values and the planet and the communities we are in. This is a really impassioned conversation between my older brother Martin and I - he has been in two previous episodes and those set some of the groundwork for today, so do go and listen to Episodes 7 and 14 as well to hear more about who he is and how his gorgeous family moved to Sweden. Find Martin at: http://www.instagram.com/therootsandbones Mentioned: Dan Lawrence - Hazel Basketry @dan.lawrence.uk Dave Budd Forging Workshop @dave_budd_handmade_tools Ben Falk @ben_falk_wsd Geoff Lawton @geofflawtononline James Clavell Shogun A Family Guide to Waste Free Living by Lauren and Oberon Carter @spiralgarden Diamant D525 Hand Grain Mill I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is all about home education, our story, why we started and what we're doing right now. I hope this is a helpful overview of the pros and cons of different education choices, and if it's something you're considering, I hope this gives you something to chew on. Please remember, every family, every child is different, and quite frankly, every country and community too - so what I share really is only relevant to the small little world we live in, but stories are helpful so I thought I'd share! It's a big topic and I've only just scraped the surface with this episode, but I hope you take it for what it is, our story. Mentioned: CGP study books National Curriculum https://www.gov.uk/national-curriculum Twinkl Resources and worksheets https://www.twinkl.co.uk/ Educating the Whole Hearted Child by Clay Clarkson Sally Clarkson https://sallyclarkson.com/podcast Shayla Singing a New Song Homeschool https://youtu.be/-eqWpXcKpDA A Little Glam A Lot of Mom https://www.youtube.com/c/alittleglamalotofmom Five Little Birds Nicole Schiffler Treehouse Schoolhouse Tiger Lilly Quinn Keri Botch The Peaceful Press Lucy Aitkenread / Lucy Disco I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is all about what I keep in my first aid kits, in my tea cabinet and around my home for first aid and wellness. I talk my favourite herbal teas, salt baths, homeopathic and flower remedies, as well as what I use for cuts and scrapes and colds. Disclaimer – Please note, the information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice and care. It is simply my perspective. Seek the support and care of a physician and/or complementary care practitioner you trust. Look after yourselves. Mentioned: Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Thomas Bartram Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs A Beginner's Guide The Herb Society's Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody Collins Nature Guides Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain and Europe Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis Balch Reader's Digest 1001 Home Remedies Compeed Blister Plasters PurEssentiel https://uk.puressentiel.com/ Weleda Calendula Cuts and Grazes Skin Salve Bach Rescue Remedies https://www.bachrescue.com/ Most of my essential oils come from Tisserand Beth Barbeau https://www.indigoforest.com/blog/the-holistic-moms-guide-to-college-first-aid-kit-essentials I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is an interview with Agnes Becker, she's an artist, a nature lover and a science communicator - I love her perspective on the world and I wanted to share her passion for life and the living world around us with you. We talk nature journaling, biophilic home design, creating a relationship with the natural world around us, and matrescence. To find Agnes: https://www.wearestardust.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/wearestardustuk/ Rewild Your Soul - https://wearestardust.uk/pages/rewild-your-soul “If I were asked to name the chief benefit of the house, I should say: the house shelters day-dreaming, the house protects the dreamer, the house allows one to dream in peace. ” ― Gaston Bachelard Mentioned: The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir Laws Enchantment by Katherine May The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane Starling Murmuration Info & Guide where to see - https://www.countryfile.com/wildlife/birds/what-is-a-murmuration-and-where-are-the-best-places-in-britain-to-see-one Kitty Macfarlane Starling Song - https://open.spotify.com/track/7AcRbY3fI25Mq6emWIUvZ4 Drawing Correspondence - https://drawingcorrespondence.org/ Nature Journaling resources - https://www.naturejournalingweek.com/ Green Sketching by Ali Foxon Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Awe by Dacher Keltner I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker talks about the art of homemaking, what the home is for and why it's vital to society. 'Home' isn't about being a mother or wife, it isn't about home ownership, it's about creating a safe and loving environment for other people to feel themselves, to belong, to become who they can be. Home can be a place of... Freedom, Connection, Full bellies, Love, Conversation, Relaxation, Fun, Life, Hugs, Comfort, Safety, Teamwork It's not about perfectionism or DIY or meal plans or cleaning routines... right? Mentioned: Rajiv Surendra on YouTube The Life-Giving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at: https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/ https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira

This episode of The English Homemaker is a little spring catchup. I talk about why and how I love to take and preserve photos and videos, and why I take 15 seconds to try and keep happy moments alive.

Really I don’t think ’balance’ is a thing we find the magic key to and then voila we’re suddenly all ok, I think life is richer with the variety it brings and we need to embrace the up and down rollercoaster... but I also think there are things we can do to feel more balanced in the everyday, and so I’ll talk about those today!

A long, luxurious breakfast is the epitome of slow, hygge living, especially when we get the crossword out over a cup of hot chocolate with our favourite music playing softly in the background. I don’t think you could leave this episode without some fresh, healthy breakfast ideas and inspiration!

This episode of The English Homemaker is a conversation with my brother all about Christmas traditions, embracing winter and remembering your childlike joy.

This episode of The English Homemaker is a gorgeous conversation with the incredible Elisa Rathje of AppleTurnoverTV and The Journal of Small Work.

This episode of The English Homemaker is all about money, budgeting, saving, frugal living, questioning ’normal’, money management and finances.

This episode of The English Homemaker is an interview with Kezia from The Whole Home, and we talk all about realistic sustainability for the homemaker, how to make it practical and not overwhelming. I think it will surprise and encourage you, and give you some practical tips for adjusting your homemaking to have a lower footprint on the earth. We talk about the why and the mindset shifts behind truly making lasting change in your daily habits. She is the queen of conscious consumerism on a budget, second-hand shopping, meal planning, costing out your purchases and how to reduce waste. "It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. We are made to live together because of the interrelated structure of reality." Martin Luther King Find Kezia at:https://www.thewholehome.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/the.whole.home/https://www.youtube.com/@thewholehome Mentioned:Clean & Green by Nancy BirtwhistleConsumed by Aja BarberRajiv Surendra's Tudor Halloween CostumeKiss The Ground documentary I am your host Alissa Evelyn, you can find me over at:https://www.instagram.com/theenglishhomemaker/https://alissaevelyn.blogspot.com/https://www.youtube.com/alissaevelyn Music: Dove Love by Quincas Moreira