Hey friends. I’m multitasking today’s post to share with you my 5 favorite summer podcasts and also to show you my new top I sewed up last week!

First, let’s talk podcasts. Do you listen to them?? If not, let me throw some game changers your way! I wasn’t into podcasts until about 4-5 months ago and now I am literally starting most conversations with “I just listened to this amazing podcast and they were talking about…” I like to listen to them while running, cleaning, sewing, or during kid-free drives. Most podcast episodes are from 20-60 mins so I feel a good sense of accomplishment when I can fit in a task and listen to something encouraging! I mostly listen to mom-themed podcasts so today I’m sharing my 5 fave episodes that have helped me to lay out the Ultimate Summer with my kiddos. After all, mommin’ aint easy so when you can pull in some reinforcements via a quick podcast full of helpful summer tips and tricks, you’ll feel SO much better!!!

My 5 Fave Summer Podcasts

5 Steps to Plan an Awesome Summer: This is an excellent starter podcast from Your Life Rocks. Jenny gives quick, easy tips to help structure your summer and to get the most out of our days together at home! If you only have time for one podcast this entire summer, make this the one!

Which Type of Rest Do You Need?: This podcast is from the God Centered Mom podcast. Heather brings on her special guest, Saundra Dalton-Smith: a doctor, wife and mother who shares her story of a breaking point and realization about the true need for rest in our lives. This was a great one to listen to as a reminder to set aside the time and energy to reach the various types of rest in our day to day to keep us well rounded and healthy from an emotional, physical and mental standpoint.

Making Magical Summer Moments Around Your Work Schedule: This podcast is another from Your Life Rocks. I found great encouragement as a work-from-home mom in how to gain balance and keep family time a priority while my children are home this summer. She gives great practical tips and suggestions in how to hold onto the magic of a great childhood!

How to be Inspired, Live Intentionally and Breakup with Your T.V.: This podcast is from Mandy Arioto, CEO of Mops International. She brings on a guest, Francie, who gives encouragement and inspiration to ditch the screen and reconnect with your kids. This is a great one to listen to as you strive to gain balance between the screen-suck and fun of summer!

How to Simplify Hospitality: This episode is from the Simply Joyful podcast. The host, Kristi Clover, brings on guest Jen Schmidt who debunks the myth behind elaborate hospitality. It was so encouraging to hear how simple, hospitable moments can create amazing summer memories. I am not a chef, I don’t have a fancy house, and I had a slew of excuses why I didn’t invite people into my home often. After this podcast, I feel encouraged and equipped to be a hostess with the mostest! 

While you’re queuing up your new podcast playlist, let’s talk about my new top!!! My sweet design-sister Maya just released this fantastic summer pattern, Riley, for tweens and girls. I fit into the bust of a size 16 tween so I thought I would give it a try and now I am obsessed!!!!

The bodice has bust darts that give it a great fit for maturing tweens or for old ladies like me! I love the length and how it flares just lightly at the hip.

And how about the split back detail with that gorgeous scoop neckline??? Super figure flattering and great for showing off contrasting fabrics.

Speaking of fabrics, I wanted to give a big shout-out and thank you to Fibers to Fabric, a sweet Etsy shop who reached out and asked if I’d like to use some of their fabrics for a blog feature! How could I say no to fabric?!?! I picked this gorgeous red Ikat with a beautiful Indian cotton in blue floral. I love how this combo is a subtle fourth of July look that I can pull off all summer long! Their prices are great, often have free shipping codes and the selection is truly one-of-a-kind!