023: Non-toxic Home with Dr. Molly Stevens

Dr. Molly Stevens | Toxin Free Home Podcast

We may be suffering from the effects of toxins in our home and not even realize it. Toxins can affect us in a large variety of ways. From feeling lethargic or suffering headaches, to Asthma or fertility problems. While it may be difficult to pin-point if these are coming from toxins, it's always a good idea to actively make decisions that will reduce them in your home.

In this episode I'm talking with Dr. Molly Stevens about just that. She is a Chiropractor at SLO Wellness whose motto is Eat Well, Move Well, Be Well. 

Website  |  Facebook

Some of the things we talked about are: 

.The physical condition as a child that led Molly to discover the effects of toxins on her own body.
.Her interests in prenatal and pediatric care during Chripratic school that furthered her interest in what our bodies are exposed to.
.Some of the common ways that people react to toxins
.Material sources in our homes that put off toxins. Siding on the safe side, good, better, best. 
.One of the common ways that our bodies try to protect themselves. (hint, are you having a difficult time loosing weight even though you are working hard at it?)
.Are you doing the right thing by drinking diet soda rather than regular soda?
.How you can purify your home from off-gassing furniture. 
.Which materials to stay away from in your furniture.
.Where to start when you are feeling overwhelmed. 

“The three biggest things we look at in diet, to get rid of them and never look back, are artificial sweeteners, trans fats and MSG products.”

Links mentioned: 

EWG.org
Talley Farms (local CSA harvest box)
SLO Veg (local CSA harvest box)

Other Names for MSG
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html

Common Artificial Sweeteners and Shelf Product Name
http://www.entwellbeing.com.au/artificial-sweeteners/

I would love to hear about decisions you have made to reduce the toxins in your home or if you are having obstacles in making those decisions! 

Local // Montaña de Oro

MONTAÑA DE ORO | THE HONEST HOME

Just 25 minutes away from our home in San Luis Obispo is Montaña de Oro. I really believe that it's one of the most beautiful places in California. With an extra day off last weekend, we planned around low tide and took the boys to explore. I think I get a little more giddy about the tide pools than they do, but I love sharing that excitement with them. 

It's a short and easy hike to the stairs that lead to the tide pools. 

Montana de Oro Field

As soon as we got down to the tide pools, Henry found a small rock with water in it and said "look, a mini tide pool!"

Tide Pool Rocks | Montana de Oro

Ollie was not as happy about being close to the waves. 

Tide Pools | Montana de Oro

Brian found this guy in the pools. I saw a few, but only as the were quickly scuttling away under mini rock croppings. Everything was so vibrantly pink and purple! It was an amazing sight. 

Crab | Montana de Oro
Urchins | Montana de Oro

It is such a good reminder of why we need to do all that we can to protect the earth and keep the beauty of nature in tact. 

Henry wanted to take some photos with my phone and he snapped a few of me. 

Montana de Oro
Montana de Oro

After we had gone to see the furthest pool that it was possible to climb to (with little ones at least) someone just out of sight started smoking. Brian caught my face as I realized this. I was not a fan. 

Who's Smoking?!
The Honest Home
The Honest Home
Walk Back

*this post contains photos of my children. please don't reuse the one's with them in it without my permission. thanks!

022: Interior Design Business Coach Alycia Wicker

In this episode of The Honest Home Podcast I'm talking with Alycia Wicker, owner of Iron and Magnolia, which coaches interior designers in their businesses and helps them with the tools they need to thrive. 

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Alycia Wicker Interview | The Honest Home Podcast

We talk about: 
.Alycia's background and journey to interior design coaching
.The recent name change of her business and the reason behind that
.A proud moment and a mistake that can be really helpful for designers to consider
.Mistakes that Alycia sees designers making as they start out
.What is most challenging for her right now...I'm sure you can relate to this one if you are an entrepreneur!
.What gives her focus and drive

Iron and Magnolia  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  LInkedIn

021: Carla Aston talks finding a win-win client

I originally found Carla through her fantastic blog Carla Aston Designed. There is so much value packed into her posts about the business of design as well as great design tips. In the interview we talked about how her blog has made for more prepared and aware clients. 

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Show Notes Below

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Carla Aston Interview | The Honest Home Podcast

Background
Carla realized she wanted to be a designer when she was in high school. A contest in Home Economics piqued her interested in design, and she went on to major in interior design in college. Starting out she worked for a small design firm directly under a designer for 2 years. For another 7 years Carla worked for a larger architectural firm. “It gave me a great background for establishing my own business." Carla stopped working for a while when her husband was transferred overseas and her children were young. Coming back to Dallas and getting started again in design, she gained clients organically working with friends and neighbors. Her first project was published in a national magazine and everything grew from there. 

Carla Aston | The Honest Home
  • Establishing yourself with your blog makes from more prepared and aware clients.
  • Learn to say no. Taking on too much and realizing that there are some people out there that you just shouldn’t work with.
  • Favorite trend: large photo murals on walls
  • Biggest challenge: filtering clients and saying no. Trying to hone down clientele. Profitable and good results are key. It has to be a win-win for the client and designer. Approach a project with the question of, is this going to benefit 
  • Try not to take a break in your career. If you do need to take a break, keep in touch with the industry
  • Look for clients who are respectful for what the designer brings to the table and understand that there is value. 
  • “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.” 

Links Mentioned
Mothers: When the kids move out, the stage remains set for your professional encore
In rural areas, interior design careers aren't growing on trees (but they should be)

Carla Aston Interview