Ep. 434 The awesome guide to Trader Joe’s and ALDI

Dear Awesome, can we interest in you in some extremely niche and also extremely helpful food geekery? We sure do hope so because this week, Meg and Kelly are prepared to buckle you into their shopping carts as they stroll the aisles of two nationwide grocery stores with BIG cult followings! Trader Joe’s and ALDI are frequent topics of conversation amongst the Sorta Awesome team, so this week, they are bringing you all the best tips, hacks, and recipe inspirations you need to really get the most out of the TJ’s and ALDI experience!

This is the PERFECT time to become a Super Star Awesome! When you sign up, you get instant access to hundreds of hours of bonus material, an exclusive Facebook group, and the texting number to reach out to the Sorta Awesome team! It’s a GREAT day to become a Super Star!

Did you know Sorta Awesome is on YOUTUBE? You can watch full-length episodes on the Sorta Awesome YT channel!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Prose: Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today! Go to prose.com/awesome!

*Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/SORTA!

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

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly’s AotW: rest!

Meg’s AotW: Alaska Daily on Hulu (Sign up for a free trial using our affiliate link!)

Aldi Hack: Use their a box of their Deluxe Mac and Cheese to make a decadent semi-homemade mac and cheese: https://www.kellygordonmn.com/recipes/homemade-mac-and-cheese

Inside Trader Joe's podcast Episode 49: Trader Joe’s Trips the Light Hackstastic
Inside Trader Joe's podcast Episode 54: Trader Joe’s Product Hacks, the Sequel

Article: 29 of the Very Best Trader Joe’s Food Hacks I’ve Learned from the Internet (And a Few of My Own)

Article: 14 Best Trader Joe’s Food and Recipe Hacks, According to Employees

Almost all ALDI Facebook group

Aldi subreddit

Trader Joe’s subreddit

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:
Ep. 433: We’re obsessed: products we’re loving, hating and wanting right now!
Ep. 429: Nom Nom for us, Awesomes!
Ep. 365: The best meals for busy days!
Ep. 234: Go-to recipes and foodie memories

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or 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. 433 We're obsessed: products we're loving, hating, and wanting right now!

Don’t be mad, but Meg has been holding out on you — but it’s only because she knew this would make a great conversation for the Awesomes! Sorta Awesome regular Julie Tepperman is back on the show this week, and she and Meg have a TON of products they’ve been stockpiling to share with you. They are giving you the scoop on all the skin, body, and makeup products they are loving, the ones they are not-loving, and the ones they really want to try!

This is the PERFECT time to become a Super Star Awesome! When you sign up, you get instant access to hundreds of hours of bonus material, an exclusive Facebook group, and the texting number to reach out to the Sorta Awesome team! It’s a GREAT day to become a Super Star!

Visit the Sorta Awesome Amazon storefront to find our cleaning & organizing list and our fridge & pantry inspiration list!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Honeylove: Save 20% off at honeylove.com with the code AWESOME

*CrowdHealth: Visit joincrowdhealth.com and use code AWESOME at checkout to get your first 3 months for just $99/month

SHOW NOTES:

Awesome of the Week
Julie: Reverse Coloring Book
Meg: K-Pop Dreaming from California Love podcast

Check out our complete list of products in our ShopMy shop!

JULIE IS LOVING:
Sunbum Roll-on Sunscreen
Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Cleansing Duo
Lollia wish hand cream
belif Aquabomb lip mask
Tula rose glow brightening eye balm
Benefit Precisely, My Brow
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Lip Flip liner in Elegant Nude
Makeup bag cleaning ball
Jones Road What The Foundation

MEG IS LOVING:
Paula’s Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer and Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Serum
Oil of Olay Retinol + Peptide 24
Dr. Scholl’s Severe Cracked Heal Balm
Glossier Boy Brow and Pro Tip eyeliner
Jones Road Just a Sec eyeshadow cream, Topaz
Jones Road Miracle Balm in Flushed
SAIE Hydrabeam concealer
Flower Beauty Skin Smoothie power matte primer
The Not-Loving

IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream
NARS Multiple Stick in Orgasm
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream
Tarte Marajuca Juicy Lip/ Lip Plump
Makeup by Mario eye palette
IT Cosmetics brush bath
Tula So Polished sugar scrub
elf Whoa Glow sunscreen
elf Putty Blushes
Glossier Lash Slick mascara
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol
Want To Try
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Face Wash
Cinema Secrets brush wash
Paula’s Choice Multi-Peptide Booster
Gwen Stefani GXVE mascara
MAC dry shampoo for eyelashes

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 414: Pro-tips and products to make life easier
Ep. 364: We’re obsessed: life hacks we swear by!
Ep. 375: 10 inexpensive buys that improved our lives
Ep. 336: Go through our EMPTIES with us!

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

Find Julie on Instagram and Facebook!

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 432 Let’s Talk About Midlife: supporting nervous systems & finding health care

Embed Block

Add an embed URL or code. Learn more

You hit midlife, and suddenly it feels like your nerves are raw. You’re jumpy, you can’t remember anything, and you feel overwhelmed. While all of this feels very un-awesome, we’ve got good news for you! You aren’t alone, and we’ve got some ideas that just might help. Midlife with Mindy and Meg is back, and this time, they are talking all things nervous system. What causes this upheaval in our minds and bodies, and how can we feel a little more centered? And also, how exactly are we supposed to find health care providers who are knowledgeable about all of the changes that perimenopause brings? Push play on this conversation to hear Meg and Mindy bring you the best friend advice you need to get through this stage of life.

Find EVERY episode in the Midlife with Mindy and Meg series on our Spotify playlist!

This is the PERFECT time to become a Super Star Awesome! When you sign up, you get instant access to hundreds of hours of bonus material, an exclusive Facebook group, and the texting number to reach out to the Sorta Awesome team! It’s a GREAT day to become a Super Star!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Athletic Greens: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D AND 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Go to athleticgreens.com/SORTA!

*Babbel: Get up to 55% off your subscription when you go to BABBEL.com/awesome

SHOW NOTES:

Mindy’s AotW: Anthony's Premium Nutritional Yeast Flakes

Meg’s AotW: How to keep house while drowning by KC Davis

How to do laundry while depressed - Ted Talk by KC Davis

KC Davis on TikTok

Article: Signs your nervous system is struggling & how to support it better during menopause

Article: How to survive the great progesterone crash of perimenopause

Article: 7 ways to support the vagus nerve and improve heart rate variability (HRV)

Dr Mary Claire Haver on IG

The North American Menopause Society

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:
Ep. 427: Let’s Talk About Midlife: The struggle is real in the clothes closet

Ep. 419: Let’s Talk About Midlife: Support for Grief & Losing a Parent

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

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.

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. 431 Ten awesome things for spring 2023!

Whether you are shivering under late winter snowfalls or sneezing eight times in a row from seasonal allergies, there’s no denying that spring is just around the corner, and we have got you COVERED! Meg is joined this week by Rebekah and they have put together all you need to make spring a little more awesome this year. From fragrances to activities for kids to what to watch in theaters to the one trend no asked for, you cannot miss a minute of the spring seasonal list!

This is the PERFECT time to become a Super Star Awesome! When you sign up, you get instant access to hundreds of hours of bonus material, an exclusive Facebook group, and the texting number to reach out to the Sorta Awesome team! It’s a GREAT day to become a Super Star!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Headspace: Go to headspace.com/AWESOME30 for one month free of their entire mindfulness library

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

*LuvBug: Go to LuvBuglearning.com and sign up for a 7-day free trial or simply download from the app store and subscribe!

SHOW NOTES:

Rebekah’s AotW: Pink Picasso Paint By Number Kits
(Here’s one that is most like Rebekah's!)

Meg’s AotW: Cozy Ripples

REBEKAH’S LIST:
Beckham Hotel Collection Pillows
Easy Baked Tortellini
Crazy Forts Kits
Daisy Jones & The Six
A Good Good Person
Air
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret?
Love Again
The Little Mermaid
Happy Place by Emily Henry
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Extra link: @iamlevelingup on TikTok talks about the crunchy community being a cult

MEG’S LIST:
REN AHA exfoliator
Skin brush set
Lulu candles (Wild Lemongrass scent)
Good Chemistry perfume Tiger Lily
Replica Springtime in a Park
Leaves of Leisure tea- Road Trip and Picnic in the Park (Bonus! use code SortaAwesome15 for 15% off the entire site!)
Travel sipper mug
Glass bud vases
Cut flower food

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:
Ep. 384: Awesome list for Spring 2022
Ep. 283: Awesome list for Spring 2021
Ep. 426: The pandemic broke me. Now what?
Ep. 392: Romance Starter Pack (Part 1)

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

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

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. 429 Nom Nom for us, Awesomes!

Snacks, snacks, snacks. Who doesn’t love a snack?! This week, Meg and Kelly dig into a delicious conversation about their favorite snacks. Meg enlightens Kelly to growing up in an ingredients-only household, and Kelly reveals her microwave-less childhood. Then, they decide to form the Raisin Mafia! From crunchy to creamy, salty to sweet, low-cook to no-cook, they’ve got all their favorites to share.

And if you are in the mood for spicy, this is the PERFECT time to become a Super Star Awesome! Earlier this month, Super Stars Live featured a Spicy Book Show & Tell and hilarity ensued. You can catch up with the video and audio replays PLUS get access to hundreds of hours of bonus material, an exclusive Facebook group, and the texting number to reach out to the Sorta Awesome team! It’s a GREAT day to become a Super Star!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

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

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly's AotW: Shrinking on Apple TV
Start your Apple TV+ free trial by using our link—must be a new user

Meg’s AotW: Extraordinary on Hulu
Get your Hulu free trial by using our link!

Ingredients-only household on TikTok

SAVORY SNACKS:
Jalapeno Lime Tortilla Chips
Off the Eaten Path Veggie Crisps
Aldi Gourmet Snacking Cheese (Habanero Jack)
Aldi Snack Selects (Pepper Jack, Raisins, Honey Roasted Peanuts)
Alabama Fire-Crackers

SWEET SNACKS:
Target's Filled Mini Straws Sour Rainbow
Vergo Mango suckers

The Best Chocolate Mug Cake from Table for Two

TikTok Mangonada

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 377: How to REALLY love yourself
Ep. 415: What happens when you love what you love
Ep. 426: The pandemic broke me. Now what?
Ep. 416: You’re invited to our FAVORITE THINGS party!

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or 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. 428 Becoming the love of your life!

Roses are red, chocolates are fine, but we think you should ask YOURSELF, “will you be mine?”

Okay, that was a little silly, but it’s the heart of our conversation going into today’s episode! What would happen if you decided to treat yourself as the love of your life? The women of Sorta Awesome have thoughts and ideas to get you inspired!

Also WE MADE A VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE for you - find something for everyone on your list (or something just for you!)

Psst! We also have a SORTA SPICY GIFT GUIDE for the spicier Awesomes!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

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

SHOW NOTES:

Meg’s AotW: Seatmate on Audible

Need to sign-up for Audible? No problem, we got you!

Try Audible Plus and get three months FREE!

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 377: How to REALLY love yourself
Ep. 392: Romance starter pack, Part 1
Ep. 393: Romance starter pack, Part 2
Ep. 404: Rom-Coms for the modern era

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

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. 427 Let’s talk about midlife: the struggle is real in the clothes closet

Welcome back to the Midlife with Mindy and Meg series! Sorta Awesome regular Mindy Brouse is back, and this week, she brought the Perimenopause Critters with her! She and Meg are exploring the many conflicted feelings and paradoxes of this stage of life. From not recognizing our own bodies to feeling guilt over anti-aging products, from hearing advice from all sides and not knowing who to trust, this very candid conversation brings so much to the surface. All those things you thought you couldn’t say out loud? Mindy and Meg have created a safe place to have THOSE conversations!

Also WE MADE A VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE for you - find something for everyone on your list (or something just for you!)

Psst! We also have a SORTA SPICY GIFT GUIDE for the spicier Awesomes!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Grove: Go to grove.com/AWESOME and get a free gift set worth up to fifty dollars with your first order. Plus free shipping!

SHOW NOTES:

Meg’s AotW: The Bandit Queens, Parini Shroff

Mindy’s AotW: Peace by Chocolate: The Hadhad Family’s Remarkable Journey from Syria to Canada and Peace by Chocolate movie (also on Hoopla!) and Peace by Chocolate chocolate

Want to join the Zoom Menopause party at 11am MT on February 11th? DM Mindy!

The Galveston Diet by Dr Mary Claire Haver
Follow Dr. Mary Claire Haver on IG

The Change by Kirsten Miller

Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder

Honor by Thrity Umrigar

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 419: Let’s Talk About Midlife: Support for Grief & Losing a Parent

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.

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. 426 The pandemic broke me. Now what?

Gather ‘round, friends. We think this is a good time to circle up and contemplate the changes brought upon our lives and the changes that have happened within OURSELVES in the past three years. Rebekah joins Meg this week with some vulnerable reflections on how she feels different as a person following the pandemic, and not in very awesome ways. Meg digs deep into Myers Briggs theory to surface some reasons why our shadow types come out when we are under significant stress. You might not be prepared for how emotional this conversation gets!

Join our Patreon community! When you become a supporter of Sorta Awesome on Patreon, you get access to fun things like the Super Star book club and texting with Meg and the team. Plus HUNDREDS of hours of ad-free exclusive episodes to download right now! We would love to have you!!! Go to patreon.com/sortaawesome to become a Super Star Awesome!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Prose: Take your FREE in-depth hair consultation and get 15% off your first order today! Go to prose.com/awesome!

SHOW NOTES:

Rebekah’s AotW: Spare by Prince Harry (Psst! Sign up for audiobooks.com using our affiliate link and get 3 audiobooks with a 30 day free trial!)

Meg’s AotW: Otherworld Podcast

Find your Myers Briggs type here: https://www.truity.com/test/type-finder-personality-test-new

Sara by the Season newsletter

My Sweet Dumb Brain newsletter

Article: Differential Personality Change Earlier and Later in the Coronavirus Pandemic

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 178: The truth about personality, organization and productivity!
Ep. 279: The Enneagram explains your reading life
Ep. 415: What happens when you love what you love
Ep. 383: Our MOST memorable confessions!
Ep. 302: Have the best summer based on your personality type!

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

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

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. 425 How to make the most of your money in 2023!

Let’s talk about money, Awesomes! Yes, this topic makes some of us squirmy, but you know for THIS money conversation, you’re just chatting with friends. Meg welcomes Kate Nixon Anania back to the show, and Kate gets to talk about one of her biggest passions - personal finance! No matter where you are in your relationship with money, Kate has some great advice of both the practical and the mindset variety!

Join our Patreon community! When you become a supporter of Sorta Awesome on Patreon, you get access to fun things like the Super Star book club and texting with Meg and the team. Plus HUNDREDS of hours of ad-free exclusive episodes to download right now! We would love to have you!!! Go to patreon.com/sortaawesome to become a Super Star Awesome!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

*Babbel: Get 55% off your subscription when you go to BABBEL.com/awesome

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

SHOW NOTES:

Kate’s AotW: Souper Cubes

Meg’s AotW: IM THRIVIN playlist on Spotify

Values-Based Wills and Trusts Workbook

Kate’s book: Twenties in Your Pocket

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 185: Be More Awesome With Your Money
Extra Awesome: Eating Less Meat and More Plants with Kate Nixon Anania
Ep. 424: Trends & Predictions for 2023!
Ep. 423: Why Habits Fail & the Secret to Real Progress

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

You can find Kate on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or visit her website www.twentiesinyourpocket.com

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. 422 All the Awesome of 2022 (a group show!)

Well, 2022 was a year, right?! And as is their annual tradition, Meg is joined by Kelly and Rebekah to give you the awesome rundown! Tune in to hear about what they learned, learned, as well as the amazing things they watched, read, and listened to!

And just a reminder that this is a GREAT time of year to become a Super Star Awesome. Patreon offers annual membership plans which might be the perfect gift to give YOURSELF this year!

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:

*OMGYes: Visit OMGYes.com/awesome for a special discount

SHOW NOTES:

Meg Awesome of the Year: Birkenstock Tokios!
(or use this link to purchase Birkenstocks on KITH)

Kelly's Awesome of the Year: Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup from Pinch of Yum

Rebekah’s Awesome of the Year: Ticket to Ride
Wet N Wild Breakup Proof Eyeliner

MEG’S LIST

Watched:
Stranger Things season 4
Heartstopper
Yellowjackets

Read:
This is not a book about Benedict Cumberbatch
The Violin Conspiracy
The House Witch

Listened:
Bone Valley
Normal Gossip
Steve Lacy’s Gemini Rights

KELLY’S LIST

Watched:
Abbott Elementary
Only Murders in the Building (watch on Hulu using our affiliate link!)

Read:
All the Ways Our Dead Still Speak by Caleb Wilde
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

Listened:
The Holy Post podcast
Ivy Eld

REBEKAH’S LIST

Watch:
Cheer (season 2)
Don't Worry Darling
My Policeman

Read:
Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann
This is not a book about Benedict Cumberbatch

Listen:
Harry's House by Harry Styles

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 368: What we learned in 2021, and our favorites, too!
Ep. 272: Finding awesome in a year that wasn’t
Ep. 418: Gift Guide 2022: All the gifts we love!
Ep. 386: Never have I ever (a group show!)
Ep. 226: All of the Awesome of 2019!

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

Find Kelly on Twitter , Instagram and on her website!

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

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. 421 Sorta Spicy Takes: 2022 Edition

As December ticks by, the end-of-year lists are popping up everywhere! Meg and Kelly have got some thoughts that might be a little teeny-tiny bit spicy on trends, news stories, and pop culture moments of 2022, and they are more than happy to share their thoughts (and some from the Super Star Awesomes, too) with 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

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

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

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

SHOW NOTES:

Kelly's AotW: Wintry Mix newsletter by Kari Liebowitz

Meg’s AotW: Bone Valley podcast

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 418: Gift Guide 2022: All the gifts we love!
Ep. 403: Who am I if I’m not this?
Ep. 386: Never have I ever (a group show!)
Ep. 364: We’re Obsessed: life hacks we swear by!

You can find Meg on Facebook, Twitter, or 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. 420 Let's do some (mini) deep dives!

Raise your hand if you’d like to take a little break from all things holiday, and go deeeeep into some fascinating topics with Meg and Rebekah! You know how sometimes, you just get totally into a subject and the next thing you know, you are chatting up strangers at the grocery store with all of your newfound knowledge? Well, that’s Meg and Rebekah this week, except instead of bothering strangers, they are bringing the Awesomes along for the dive! From movie magic to YouTube concert footage to viral frustrations to what TikTok gets wrong about feminism, they have a LOT of words about what they can’t stop thinking about these days!

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:

*Raycon: Go to BUYRAYCON.com/sorta to get 15% off SITEWIDE with code HOLIDAY—plus free shipping!

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

SHOW NOTES:

Rebekah’s AotW: Soma's Enbliss Soft Stretch Hipster underwear

Meg’s AotW: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner

Meg’s favorite YouTube deep dive: Defunctland: Disney’s FastPass: A complicated history

Movie Making Deep Dive (starts at )
Josh Props
Stunt Props
Fake Ice Cream
Fake Poop

Jessica Steinrock
Modesty & Barrier Protection
Strapless Thong

Music Releases & TikTok (starts at )
"Unholy" is a Hot & Heavy Single with a Lukewarm Reception
Lewis Capaldi
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR4CbsNf/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR4CGbGs/

Kevin and the Female Gaze deep dive (starts at )

Note from Meg: Kevin’s TikTok profile is no longer available
CLIP OF KEVIN VIDEO is in 2:15 of this video from Jarvis Johnson: The Female Gaze Guy Sucks

The Problem with the "Female Gaze Guy"

Explainer: what does the ‘male gaze’ mean, and what about a female gaze?

Recreating Adam: Romance and the Hazard of the Female Gaze

The Awesome of Nathaniel Rateliff (starts at )

Rolling Stone: The Long Shot: Nathaniel Rateliff’s Long, Hard, Booze-Soaked Road to Stardom

Solo Album: And It’s Still Alright (2020)

with the Nightsweats: Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats (2015); Tearing at the Seams (2018); The Future (2021)

YouTube performances:

Sessions: At home with Nathaniel Rateliff (November 2020)

Levitate Music & Arts Festival (July 2019)

Live at Red Rocks (September 2020)

Rock the Garden (September 2022)

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 416: You’re invited to our FAVORITE THINGS party!

Ep. 415: What happens when you love what you love

Ep. 409: Would You Rather—Round 2!

Ep. 400: Would You Rather—4 vs 400 edition!

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

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

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. 419 Let's talk about midlife: support for grief & losing a parent

The holidays are here, but not everyone is feeling festive. Grief all of kinds can feel even heavier during the holidays, and a difficult part of the midlife season is grieving the loss of parents. In this new episode of the Midlife with Mindy and Meg series, they discuss their own experiences with losing a parent and share helpful, encouraging, compassionate insights on how to support friends who are experiencing this loss. As always, they offer inspiration for discovering the beauty even in the darker moments of life!

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:

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

SHOW NOTES:

Pediatric pulse oximeter

Adult pulse oximeter

Blockbuster on Netflix

MORE EPISODES FROM SORTA AWESOME:

Ep. 413: Let’s Talk About Midlife: How to Know if You are in the Club

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.

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. 418 Things we LOVE: gift guide!

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!

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!

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. 416 Favorite things party!

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:

1. Free Day Popcorn

2. Zig Clean Color Dot Pens

SARA’S FAVORITE THINGS:

1. Papermate Flair felt tip pens

2. Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice tea

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:

1. Dowdle puzzles

2. Woodfire Candle Co - Jelly Jar Wood Wick Soy Candle (favorite scent: Sweater Weather!)

3. Béquet Celtic Sea Salt Caramels

4. Trader Joe's frozen croissants

MEG’S FAVORITE THINGS

1. Olivewood Cutting board (TJ’s or on Amazon)

2. 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!

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. 415 What Happens When You Love What You Love

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!

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!