A space for honest conversations, reflection and meaningful stories. Our goal is to make you feel like you’re sitting down with a friend over coffee to discuss life’s transitions, lived experiences and lean into the beauty and challenges of womanhood and motherhood. From identity and growth to the unspoken parts of our everyday lives, here we will share stories, wisdom, and encouragement that you're not alone.
From the lavender hour we want you to take what you need, and leave what you don't... this is your hour to reflect, reset, and feel a little lighter when you leave. So, pour yourself a glass, and settle in, we can't wait for you to join us.
With love, your co-hosts,
Ayla & Whit 💜
A space for honest conversations, reflection and meaningful stories. Our goal is to make you feel like you’re sitting down with a friend over coffee to discuss life’s transitions, lived experiences and lean into the beauty and challenges of womanhood and motherhood. From identity and growth to the unspoken parts of our everyday lives, here we will share stories, wisdom, and encouragement that you're not alone.
From the lavender hour we want you to take what you need, and leave what you don't... this is your hour to reflect, reset, and feel a little lighter when you leave. So, pour yourself a glass, and settle in, we can't wait for you to join us.
With love, your co-hosts,
Ayla & Whit 💜
In this mini-episode, hosts Ayla and Whit reflect on their podcasting journey, discussing the behind-the-scenes work, the challenges they've faced, and the slow growth of their audience. They emphasize the importance of planning, collaboration, and staying committed to their vision, while also inviting listener feedback for future episodes.
Keywords
podcasting, behind the scenes, slow burn, challenges, feedback, growth, planning, motherhood, collaboration, journey
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
In this episode of The Lavender Hour, Ayla and Whit explore the complexities and joys of the holiday season. They discuss the pressures of making the holidays special for their children, the challenges of managing family expectations, and the importance of simplifying traditions. The conversation also touches on gift-giving strategies, the financial strain of the holidays, and the significance of creating meaningful experiences for their families. They share personal anecdotes and insights on navigating new traditions while emphasizing the importance of giving back during the festive season.
Chapters
[00:00] The Joys and Complexities of the Holiday Season
[05:10] Balancing Expectations and Family Dynamics
[13:05] Navigating Family Obligations and Guilt
[19:35] Creating New Traditions and Simplifying Celebrations
[22:48] Financial Strains and Experience-Based Gifting
[25:35] Gift Giving Insights
[29:30] Teaching Kids About Gifts
[32:15] Creating New Holiday Traditions
[36:56] Holiday Favorites Lightning Round
[38:52] Product Favorites and Wrap Up
Keywords
Christmas, holiday season, family dynamics, gift giving, traditions, managing expectations, parenting, simplifying holidays, experiences, giving back
Favourites/Product Mentions
Kindle
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
In this episode of The Lavender Hour, hosts Ayla and Whit share their favourite holiday traditions, exploring the magic of December through personal stories and cherished memories and traditions. They discuss their unique approaches to celebrating Christmas, from cozy home decor and baking to family activities and gift-giving rituals. The conversation highlights the importance of traditions in creating joy and connection during the holiday season, emphasizing that it's the little things that make the holidays special.
Chapters
[00:00] The Magic of Holiday Traditions
[02:20] Christmas Eve Memories
[10:24] Creating a Cozy Home for the Holidays
[16:33] Adventurous Holiday Activities
[27:03] Christmas Morning Rituals
[35:15] Elf on the Shelf and Other Fun Traditions
Keywords
holiday traditions, Christmas, family, baking, cozy home, festive activities, gift giving, Christmas Eve, holiday recipes, family memories
Favourites/Product Mentions
Organika Electrolytes: https://amzn.to/48xv0AU
Yeti 10 oz stackable lowball: https://amzn.to/43NDVeZ
Brown Butter Iced Mocha Cinnamon Rolls
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
In this episode of The Lavender Hour, hosts Ayla and Whit delve into the complexities of overconsumerism, exploring its emotional triggers. They discuss the costs associated with excessive consumption, both financially and emotionally, and share personal anecdotes about their struggles with shopping habits. The conversation shifts towards mindful consumption practices, including the importance of the 24-hour rule before making purchases. They also touch on the benefits of secondhand shopping and the concept of no-spend months as a way to reset spending habits. Ultimately, the hosts emphasize the need for balance in consumerism, advocating for intentional purchases that truly add value to their lives.
Chapters
[00:00] Understanding Overconsumerism
[06:06] The Emotional Triggers of Consumption
[11:26] Personal Struggles with Consumerism
[18:41] The Impact of Consumerism on Mental Health
[27:19] The Emotional and Financial Costs of Consumerism
[28:31] Intentional Clothing Purchases and Investment Pieces
[31:15] Mindful Consumption Strategies
[33:52] Practices for Reducing Over-Consumption
[36:44] Secondhand Shopping and Thrifting
[39:39] No-Spend Months as a Reset Tool
[43:29] Toy Libraries and Sustainable Parenting
[46:18] Finding Balance in Consumerism
[48:16] Favorite Things: Books and Butter
Keywords
overconsumerism, mindful consumption, emotional spending, parenting, consumer habits, financial awareness, clutter, shopping habits, sustainable living, minimalism
Favourites/Product Mentions
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this episode of the Lavender Hour, Ayla and Whit explore the complexities of making new friends as adults. They share personal stories, discuss the challenges of socializing, and emphasize the importance of intentionality in building friendships. The conversation touches on the awkwardness of initial encounters, the significance of life stages, and the necessity of setting boundaries. They also highlight creative ways to meet new people, including hobbies and technology, while reflecting on the dynamics of friendship and community building.
Chapters
[00:00] Navigating Adult Friendships
[02:43] The Challenges of Making Connections
[04:59] Awkward Encounters and Vulnerability
[09:42] Intentionality in Friendships
[14:34] Setting Boundaries and Finding the Right Fit
[19:02] Building Community Through Shared Experiences
[22:51] The Intentionality of Making Friends
[24:17] Finding Common Ground Through Hobbies
[25:56] The Role of Technology in Friendships
[28:47] Unexpected Friendships: Stories from Life
[31:50] Navigating Friendships in Different Life Stages
[33:36] Overcoming Anxiety in Social Situations
Keywords
adult friendships, making friends, social connections, community building, life stages, intentionality, vulnerability, parenting, hobbies, technology
Favourites/Product Mentions
Princess Diana Overnight Oats Recipe: https://aylarianne.com/princess-diana-overnight-oats/
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this episode, Ayla and Whit continue their discussion on low tox lifestyle changes, focusing on food swaps. They share practical tips for making healthier choices, delve into the impact of food dyes and natural flavors, and discuss the challenges of navigating seed oils and preservatives. The conversation also touches on the importance of organic choices, sourcing meat and eggs, and the benefits of water filtration systems. Throughout, they emphasize the idea of progress over perfection in making dietary changes.
Chapters
[00:00] Introduction to Low Tox Lifestyle Changes
[01:22] Tips for Low Tox Swaps in Food
[05:57] The Impact of Food Dyes
[11:49] Understanding Natural Flavors
[22:46] The Controversy of Seed Oils
[27:30] Preservatives and Stabilizers in Food
[29:02] The Glyphosate Concern in Grains
[30:48] Navigating Meat Choices and Costs
[32:49] The Shift Towards Organic and Local Foods
[34:59] Egg Quality and Sourcing
[37:04] Cleaning Produce: Best Practices
[38:39] Water Filtration Systems Explained
[42:15] Organic vs Non-Organic: Making Informed Choices
Keywords
low tox lifestyle, food swaps, health, natural flavors, food dyes, organic food, seed oils, preservatives, healthy eating, family health
Favourites/ Product Mentions
Magic Puzzle: https://amzn.to/3KOGeYj
Wet Brush: https://amzn.to/48tJjH9
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this conversation, Ayla and Whit explore the concept of low tox living, sharing their personal journeys and experiences with reducing toxins in their homes. They discuss the importance of understanding product labels, the impact of greenwashing, and the key ingredients to avoid in cleaning products. They provide practical tips for swapping out conventional products for low tox alternatives, emphasizing the significance of making informed choices and starting small. They also touch on household items that can be easily replaced to create a healthier living environment, ultimately encouraging listeners to take gradual steps towards a low tox lifestyle.
Chapters
[00:00] Introduction to Low Tox Living
[06:49] Personal Journeys into Low Tox Living
[13:44] Understanding Low Tox: Definitions and Buzzwords
[20:59] Identifying Harmful Ingredients in Household Products
[24:28] Practical Swaps for a Low Tox Home
[25:23] Exploring Low-Tox Alternatives for Home Fragrance
[30:44] Kitchen Swaps: Reducing Plastic and Toxins
[42:55] Making Informed Choices: The Path to Low-Tox Living
Key Words
low tox living, greenwashing, cleaning products, household items, wellness, eco-friendly, sustainable living, health, non-toxic, essential oils
Favourites/ Product Mentions
Attitude baby leaves, bottle washing and dishwashing soap: https://amzn.to/46s9yei
Attitude Laundry Detergent Wildflowers: https://amzn.to/46ORpI7
Attitude Cleaning: https://amzn.to/3KaySOA
Mint Cleaning: https://mintcleaningproducts.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqluyAh__-8yWkA2vF1Nxx8_D7qy477U9krHBizKf_EPgBVrhO6
SÓ Luxury: https://soluxury.ca/?srsltid=AfmBOoo8mHoDRrfE8Kpi43_0_g0l30zveOG6X7MMsLa1lqfSk-1R9ERP
Sage Wellness: https://www.saje.ca/?srsltid=AfmBOooJZOWbWSuOAMXyctgarW4gAYIXgu9_nEplc5yFZDwxHrhXbkCa
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this episode of Lavender Hour, Ayla and Whit dive deep into the world of credit cards, sharing their personal experiences and insights on how to use them responsibly. They discuss the importance of understanding credit utilization, the benefits of paying off balances in full, and the various types of credit cards available. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of spending and the discipline required to manage finances effectively. Listeners will gain valuable tips on building credit, managing expenses, and making informed financial decisions.
Chapters
[00:00] Understanding Credit Cards: A Personal Journey
[09:45] Building Credit: Strategies and Insights
[21:21] Understanding Credit Utilization
[26:54] Types of Credit Cards and Their Benefits
[35:17] Personal Experiences with Credit Cards
Keywords
credit cards, financial literacy, budgeting, credit utilization, personal finance, building credit, responsible spending, financial discipline, travel rewards, credit card tips
Favourites/Product Mentions
9$ Budget Template: https://stan.store/chelseaspursuit
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this conversation, Ayla and Whit discuss their financial journey as couples, exploring how their financial management has evolved over time, especially with the addition of children. They emphasize the importance of communication and transparency in managing finances, the transition from separate to joint accounts, and the challenges that come with parenthood. They also share practical tips such as tracking spending, using sinking funds, and the significance of understanding credit cards. The conversation highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finances, and what works for one couple may not work for another.
Chapters
[00:00] Introduction to Couples Finances
[01:28] Navigating Financial Communication in Relationships
[05:30] Managing Finances Before and After Kids
[08:28] Transitioning to Joint Finances
[11:02] Navigating Business Finances in a Relationship
[13:35] Finding Balance in Financial Contributions
[16:08] Learning from Financial Challenges
[18:20] Creating a Budget That Works for Both Partners
[23:52] Understanding Money in Relationships
[26:36] Personal Experiences with Money Management
[30:26] Tracking Expenses for Financial Control
[34:08] The Power of Sinking Funds
[38:29] Investing and Financial Strategies During Maternity Leave
[40:04] Looking Ahead: Credit Cards and Future Conversations
Key Words
financial management, relationships, budgeting, communication, transparency, parenting, joint finances, sinking funds, credit cards, financial challenges
9$ Budget Template
https://stan.store/chelseaspursuit
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this episode of the Lavender Hour, Ayla and Whit dive deep into their shared passion for skincare, discussing the challenges of maintaining a consistent routine, the importance of understanding product application order, and the balance between budget-friendly and high-end skincare options. They share personal experiences, insights from dermatologists, and explore the role of medical aesthetics in achieving healthy skin. The conversation also touches on the impact of lifestyle choices on skin health and the use of technology to make informed product decisions. With practical tips and relatable anecdotes, this episode is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine.
Chapters
[00:00] Introduction to Skincare Passion
[02:03] Challenges of Maintaining a Skincare Routine
[04:23] Understanding Skincare Basics
[06:55] The Importance of Consistency and Habit Stacking
[09:33] Navigating Product Choices and Budgeting
[11:45] Personal Skincare Routines and Recommendations
[21:07] Final Thoughts on Skincare Essentials
[26:50] Rosacea and Skincare Strategies
[28:58] Exploring Medical Aesthetics
[31:06] Hydration and Skincare Maintenance
[33:45] The Yucca App: A New Tool for Skincare
[36:59] Balancing Product Efficacy and Safety
[39:35] Favourite Products and Recommendations
KeyWords
skincare, routine, consistency, products, double cleansing, dermatology, beauty, personal care, budget-friendly, medical aesthetics
Favourites/Product Mentions
La Roche Posay Hydraphase HA Light Moisturizer
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine: https://amzn.to/47SdbNf
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream: https://amzn.to/41ZM7b4
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this episode of the Lavender Hour, Whit and Ayla delve into the mental load of motherhood and how it leads to burnout. They share personal experiences and strategies to manage the overwhelming responsibilities that often fall on mothers, discussing the importance of communication, shared calendars, and self-care. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing household tasks, childcare, and personal time, offering insights into how to navigate these demands effectively.
Chapters
[00:00] The Mental Load of Motherhood
[07:13] Recognizing Burnout in Parenting
[14:23] Navigating Family Dynamics and Responsibilities
[19:23] Navigating Family Meals and Food Choices
[21:13] Strategies to Combat Burnout
[26:33] Effective Communication and Shared Responsibilities
[32:00] Outsourcing Help and Self-Care
[34:52] The Importance of Therapy and Mental Health Awareness
Keywords
mental load, motherhood, burnout, self-care, communication
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
Whit and Ayla discuss the importance of hobbies in their lives, exploring how hobbies can fill one's cup and provide fulfillment beyond work. They share personal stories about their own hobbies, the challenges of maintaining them, and how hobbies can foster community and personal growth.
Chapters
[00:00] Exploring Personal Identity Beyond Work
[02:24] The Important of Hobbies in Life
[11:27] Building Community Through Hobbies
[16:21] The Evolving Nature of Hobbies
[26:51] Exploring New Hobbies and Activites
Keywords
hobbies, fulfillment, personal growth, community, self-care
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this episode of Lavender Hour, Ayla and Whit share their personal birth stories, exploring the emotional and physical challenges they faced during their deliveries. Whit recounts her traumatic experience with a high-risk pregnancy and the unexpected twists that led to a C-section. Ayla reflects on her own journey, highlighting the differences between her two births and the support she received. Both women emphasize the importance of sharing birth stories as a means of healing and connection, encouraging others to embrace their unique experiences.
Chapters
[00:00] Introduction to Birth Stories
[00:30] A Traumatic Birth Experience
[14:29] Sharing Different Birth Stories
[21:14] Navigating Labor: The Induction Experience
[23:21] The Challenge of Medication and Contractions
[25:24] The Isolation of Labor: Seeking Support
[26:46] Pushing Through: The Delivery Process
[28:37] Reflections on Induction and Pain Perception
[29:14] A Second Chance: The Birth of a Second Child
[32:31] Hands-On Care: A Supportive Environment
[34:03] The Intensity of Labor: Epidural and Back Labor
[36:19] Flipping the Baby: A Surprising Turn of Events
[38:18] The Birth Moment: Surreal Reactions and Resuscitation
[40:48] Contrasting Experiences: Reflection on Two Births
Keywords
birth stories, traumatic delivery, motherhood, healing, pregnancy, support, NICU, postpartum, birth plan, emotional journey
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this episode of Lavender Hour, Ayla and Whit delve into the true meaning of self-care, especially for mothers. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding self-care as a luxury and emphasize its importance in daily life. The conversation highlights the need for realistic self-care practices, the role of communication in managing expectations with partners, and the significance of recognizing personal needs. They share personal experiences and practical tips for integrating self-care into busy lives, ultimately advocating for a more intentional approach to self-care that fits individual circumstances.
Chapters
[00:00] Defining Real Self-Care
[03:00] The Reality of Self-Care for Moms
[05:43] Finding Time for Self-Care
[08:24] Communication and Support in Self-Care
[11:10] Intentional Acts of Self-Care
[16:42] The Importance of Self-Care Awareness
Keywords
self-care, motherhood, mental health, communication, personal well-being, parenting, lifestyle, family, self-care routines, mom guilt
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this conversation, Ayla and Whit explore the concept of love languages, discussing personal experiences and how understanding these languages can enhance relationships. We delve into the five love languages, share anecdotes about our own relationships, and reflect on how love languages evolve over time. Our discussion also touches on the challenges of meeting each other's love languages, especially in parenting, and concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their own experiences.
Chapters
[00:00] Understanding Love Languages
[00:47] Personal Experiences with Love Languages
[07:27] Navigating Love Languages in Relationships
[11:35] Meeting Each Other's Love Languages
[13:47] Love Languages and Parenting
Keywords
love languages, relationships, personal experiences, acts of service, parenting, communication, emotional connection, gift giving, quality time, understanding love
Book: https://amzn.to/4gsNchy
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this episode of The Lavender Hour, Ayla and Whit explore the complexities and nuances of long-distance friendships. They reflect on their own journey of nearly 20 years, discussing how their relationship has evolved through various life changes, including moving away and starting families. The conversation highlights the importance of intentionality in maintaining connections, the emotional challenges that arise from distance, and the unique bond that can develop over time.
Chapters
[00:00] The Journey of Our Friendship
[09:10] Navigating Life Changes and Distance
[11:42] Intentional Connections in Long-Distance Relationships
[15:38] Navigating Long-Distance Friendships
[17:13] Insecurities in Long-Distance Relationships
[23:04] Embarking on a New Journey Together
Keywords
long distance friendships, maintaining friendships, quality time, life changes, emotional connection, friendship dynamics, personal growth, communication, relationship challenges, podcast
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Show Notes
In this episode of Lavender Hour, Ayla and Whit share their personal breastfeeding journeys, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced. They discuss the importance of having a support system, the critical first six weeks of breastfeeding, and the emotional complexities surrounding feeding choices. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy and community support for new mothers, encouraging open discussions about the realities of motherhood and feeding.
Chapters
[00:00] Navigating the Breastfeeding Journey
[09:15] The Importance of Support and Advocacy
[18:48] Understanding the Emotional Aspects of Feeding
[25:08] Building a Supportive Community for New Moms
Keywords
breastfeeding, motherhood, support, lactation consultant, emotional journey, parenting, formula feeding, advocacy, new moms, community
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast
Welcome to The Lavender Hour Podcast - a space for honest conversations, reflection and meaningful stories. Our goal is to make you feel like your sitting down with a friend over tea (or wine) to life's transitions, practical advice and little moments that shape who we are.
Together, we'll lean into the beauty and challenges of womanhood - from identity and growth to the unspoken parts of our everyday lives. Here we will share stories, wisdom, products and encouragement to remind you that you're not alone.
So, pour yourself a glass, and settle in, we can't wait for you to join us. As always, take what you need and leave what you don't... this is your hour to reflect, reset, and feel a little lighter when you leave.
With love, your co-hosts,
Ayla & Whit 💜
Music: "LoFi Piano Beat Intro 0127" by TuesdayNight — sourced from Pixabay (https://pixabay.com/music/)
Follow us on Instagram @lavenderhourpodcast