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Simple Farmhouse Life
327. Hospitality Without the Overwhelm: Build Community with Simplicity | Megan Fox Unlocked
01:04:44
Practical hospitality that works in real homes and real seasons
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- [00:00]
Lisa
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- [01:10]
Megan Fox
You don't have anything to bring to the table, just some ideas would be. You know, my friends, they do a hay ride every year because he has a tractor and a wagon. My dad has an ice cream machine. We borrow that once a year and have like an ice cream social thing. What do you have that might be a little extra special or different that you don't have to spend a lot of money on a special to everybody else because they might not have it like making bread bowls and stuff in your one video. And I was like, that's genius. Like not everybody knows how to make bread bowls. It's very simple for you, but it's so special for everybody else who doesn't have that very often, you know?
- [01:35]
Co-host
Yeah, because it can be a skill. It doesn't have to be an item. Like it doesn't have to be something you own. It can be like a skill that you've developed. Everybody has something to offer, whether it's something in your home, something you can borrow, some skill you can develop. My name is Lisa, mother of nine and creator of the blog and YouTube.
- [01:49]
Lisa
Channel Farmhouse on Boone. On this podcast I like to talk about simplifying your life so you can live out your priorities.
- [01:55]
Co-host
I help you learn how to cook from scratch and decorate on a budget.
- [01:58]
Lisa
Through this Podcast Podcast and my courses, Simple Sourdough and the Simple Sewing Series. I will leave links to these resources in the show notes and description box below.
- [02:06]
Co-host
Now let's get into the show.
- [02:13]
Lisa
Welcome back to the Simple Farmhouse Life podcast.
- [02:15]
Co-host
Today we're going to be chatting with Megan Fox from Megan Fox Unlocked. Now, she has been on the podcast before. I love following her channel as well as her podcast. Honey I'm Homemaker. She's just a fun person. So I think we couldn't have a better person to come on and chat about hosting fun party ideas. I think she has some really great unique ideas that are simple, that aren't overwhelming budget options. So, you know, inviting people into your home, it can be costly. We can also be worried about our homes and if they're clean enough, if they're good enough. And I think that she has a lot of great things to say about that and honestly takes away a lot of excuses. So if you've been wanting to host, if you've been wanting to foster community.
- [03:01]
Lisa
I really think that she has some.
- [03:03]
Co-host
Of this very dialed in and can.
- [03:05]
Lisa
Offer a lot of insight. So let's jump into this conversation.
- [03:09]
Co-host
Megan, welcome on. I'm excited to catch up with you. It's been a while since we've chatted. Today we're going to focus on hosting. But what's new in your world? I haven't spoken to you in a while. I, I follow along on the YouTube channel. But what's happening over in Pennsylvania?
- [03:24]
Megan Fox
Well, we got over some sickness, but praise the Lord, that was all like literally our last event was and then five hours later I had the baby barfing in his bed. But I was like not even complaining because we got through all of the events and you know, probably got sick at one of those events. So that's just is how it is. But yeah, really good holiday season. Now it's January. I think this episode's going out in February, but I can safely say I'm starting to understand what you're talking about with like two different age groups. I know I don't have it quite as extreme as you, but I now have two school age kids and then two toddlers and it feels like two distinctly separate families in some ways, like two. Like I'm still doing this strategy but then I also have this strategy and I'm trying to make the two routines work together. And anyway, I know you know, two to eight, my youngest is two and my oldest is eight. That's not that big of a span. But I still feel that Very distinct. Two different poles or two different speeds, if you will.
- [04:21]
Co-host
Yeah. Yes. Yeah, we're, we're rocking the 17 year age gap over here right now and it definitely is a different deal to have like teenagers and then the middle kids and the little kids.
- [04:33]
Megan Fox
Yeah, I just didn't think you would feel that with like a six year age gap. But yeah, you do.
- [04:37]
Co-host
Yeah, you're feeling it. I don't think I felt it as much then, but it could very much depend on the personalities and the kids and what you have going on in your life, I think. But yeah, it, whenever you don't.
- [04:48]
Megan Fox
We still have nice early bedtimes for all. So that's, that's wonderful. Wonderful. Okay.
- [04:53]
Co-host
See that as I say, when they all still have the same bedtime, I don't know, you'll, you're not feeling it quite yet.
- [04:58]
Lisa
Okay.
- [04:59]
Megan Fox
Okay.
- [05:01]
Co-host
Yeah, because that, that's the thing I remember, like I do have an 8 year old and a 2 year old. I'm like, man, when I have those kids at home for whatever reason, like say Luke has older kids to do something else, which usually the 8 year old gets included in that. So that's kind of changing. But I can put everybody to bed like before 8 o' clock and that is just crazy.
- [05:24]
Megan Fox
It's like a whole new day begins. What's there?
- [05:27]
Co-host
It is like we, we go to bed before several of our kids now because they're just like, you lose all, of course you're still parenting and all that, but you lose like you're not directly controlling people anymore. Like they're, they're living their own lives and they're just living in your house and it's like a whole different deal that nobody really talks about. And it's interesting too when you have little kids during that as well. So it's just a lot going.
- [05:54]
Megan Fox
I can imagine. Yeah, you're amazing doing all the things, but I don't know, I love, so far I've loved all the ages. So that's really nice.
- [06:01]
Co-host
Yes, absolutely. So today we're going to talk a little bit about hosting. I know you talk about this quite a bit over on your channel and helping moms especially specifically maybe young moms who haven't hosted yet who are feeling overwhelmed at that thought. You know, so many questions come to mind, like the budget, what to make is your house good enough to host people. So we're going to dive into all of that. So have you hosted your whole life? I know in your culture it kind of seems like maybe hosting and Getting together is very common, regular part of life. So has that been something you've been around for your whole life?
- [06:44]
Megan Fox
Yes, I would say so. And when Lisa says culture, she means I grew up as a Mennonite, and I am a Mennonite, and I live in a very. There's a lot of Mennonites in Lancaster county, so it's not, like, crazy weird, but I think. I think it's a culture for sure. That's. We have community and we're in each other's business. And that's a good thing. That thing, too.
- [07:04]
Co-host
Yeah, but it is.
- [07:05]
Megan Fox
I cannot imagine not having people that have my back in hard times. And I really didn't grasp the need for community as much as I did. I was, like, 31 and dealing with really rough times and hospital stays and just like. Or even postpartum made you really glad for your community. And so I think it's easy to say, oh, I don't need to foster community. It's not a big deal to me until you're in a hard time, and then you'll wish you had put in that equity. Is that the word? I'm trying to think, like, have invested in your community so that they can pour back into you, because it's definitely a give and a take. I will say, though, hosting and entertaining and having people in your home is definitely. If you're doing that, it's coming from a place of abundance. Now, it doesn't mean you have a ton of abundance, but I was just thinking about this. You know, there are certain periods in our life where hosting should not even be a goal of ours. It should not even be on the table. You know, a postpartum mom is just trying to get two hours of sleep in a row. You know, that kind of thing. We're not trying to host in that season. And then. So listening to this podcast is going to make you feel less than. So maybe just store this away for a later time. But I feel like a lot of the women that we're speaking to today just, they want to host. They like to do it. They have maybe a little extra time. They have some margin in their life, or maybe they don't, but they still will be willing to make some sacrifices so that they can host. And so I do have a YouTube channel right now. We're going through a series called Homemaking by Heart. And the whole goal of that is to be able to have margin in your life. We are creating sanity, safety, and simplicity without the sacrifice. And then, only then, once you have Your home kind of running by heart, should we say, just kind of running in a rhythm. That's when you have time to. Even the mental. The mental energy is half of hosting really, because you have to plan the menu or who you're going to invite or, you know, all of that. So that comes first, you know, getting your house just in a working, stable condition, I guess you should say, before we're even trying to put hosting on the table as well. So it's definitely if you're hosting, not that you have the bull by the horns or your life, you know, is perfect. But I feel like that's a good sign that you have a little bit of extra margin or mental energy that you can put into it. So this might not be for everybody in every season, all the time. And that's absolutely okay. But yeah, as far as. Maybe you want to step in there. But I was gonna say as far as my culture and stuff, I've seen very simple hosting throughout my life. Whether that's just, you know, having grandma stop in and let her have supper with us, or maybe it's something more elaborate. Our churches that often do host family, where you invite at least one or two families over from church, often the minister just frequent hosting, that wasn't always a big deal. It was just kind of a part of life. It wasn't like, you know, we didn't set up a big tent in the backyard. Maybe a couple times we did, but not very often, you know, to have a big 300 person gathering or anything. But it's just kind of day to day, ebb and flow. A lot more hosting in the summer than the winter. But I did grow up in a fixer upper farmhouse. And so we hosted in unideal situations, ideal situations. I don't know. At the end of the day, that drive for community just makes you figure it out, you know, I definitely think you're right.
- [10:10]
Co-host
And it's interesting too. I've noticed that people don't have as much going on as like we maybe all think we do. Like when you open up and offer your home for something, it seems like people are like, yeah, I can come. You know, it's like, oh, is that always the case? Like people actually aren't as busy. They're just looking for a date on the calendar. Because I think it might be like a regular part of your life. So something that comes naturally to always be like, hey, grandma, stop by or so. And so we'll have this family over for dinner. For a lot of people, that's not like in the regular, like, every day, every week type of rhythm. And so it would be something very intentional, like, we are going to, on this date, have these people over. It's not like a regular part of life. Do you know what I mean by that?
- [10:58]
Megan Fox
Yeah. Like, automated. Like, I'll have you guys this month, like, our small group. I.
- [11:02]
Co-host
Yes.
- [11:02]
Megan Fox
My turn next month, and that's the next. Yeah, it's kind of an autopilot, right? I totally know what you're saying. Creating communities could be a whole podcast in itself, really. Because it really takes vulnerability, stepping out, giving somebody else the gift of going second by going first and inviting that random cool girl from the library story hour that you think she seems fun. Like, inviting her over for a playdate or just even inviting to hang out at a park at a different time or anything like that. Fostering community is a whole. A whole beast in itself, for sure. But it goes hand in hand with hosting. Yeah.
- [11:32]
Co-host
And I think sometimes we're afraid, like, what if they don't want to? You know, because we're so used to. At least in. In my culture, so I don't. I'm not a Mennonite, so I don't have, like, a very strong. Like, it seems like it's just kind of, like, baked in for you guys. Like, this is what you do, is you support each other. You're there. I think that's. It's so cool. It's not like, you know, when you meet someone new, move from, like, hey, we should get together, to you being the one that's like, hey, this date, are you available? Like, it almost. You wonder, since it's so not done, if it's weird, like, do these people even want to come over? You know, it's maybe like, there's that, too, to go.
- [12:13]
Lisa
I have.
- [12:14]
Megan Fox
I have seen this thing, which I'm not chronically online or anything, so I'm not sure how I even saw this. But there is a rejection therapy trend that people are doing where they try to get rejected by somebody every single day. And I guess the whole. Most of the videos are people, actually, most of them don't get rejected. Like, where they thought they asked this, you know, for a hairbrained thing, and people said yes. It was like, if you go into it, you know, thinking, I'm already gonna get rejected, I have nothing to lose. You know, you'd be surprised how often you don't get rejected. So I think there is a small element to that. Just being willing to lay down your pride. And what's that person really going to think of you at the end of the day if they say no? Yeah. Worst they could feel for you is pity. Like, oh, that poor girl doesn't have anybody to hang out with. Or, like, they're not going to actually think that's. That's the worst they can think of you. They're not going to think, oh, my goodness. Like, I think one of the worst things you can be known for is being a snobby person. So they're definitely not thinking you're snobby or, you know, I don't know. I think it says more about them if they have a problem with you inviting them, even if they do turn it down.
- [13:13]
Co-host
Well, I think what I also mean is maybe, like, you feel bad. Like, I. That's been something that I have, like, overthought, like, oh, that family is really busy right now because of xyz. I don't want them to feel obligated. It's not like I'm worried that they're going to say no to me. It's more like you're worried that they're going to be burdened by their request, which I have found the opposite. Like, I have found when people invite me over in our family, they're willing to invite over, as many people are in our family. I'm. I'm, like, thankful. And I think that's, you know, I look forward to it. I ask what I can bring, you know, that kind of thing. So I think it's an interesting dynamic to actually think that people will be burdened by an invitation. But I think that goes through a lot of people's heads is like, you know, they probably don't want to. They probably have a lot going on. They have. Just looking at the situation, thinking, man, they must be so busy.
- [14:03]
Megan Fox
Yeah. I don't think. I don't think people are quite as busy as they think they are or like, that. We end up filling the time because we have it. But if something's on the calendar, we'll make room for it.
- [14:12]
Co-host
Yeah. I don't think anybody's as busy as they think they are. I think everybody thinks they're maxed out, busy. And really, you could always be busier.
- [14:20]
Megan Fox
I mean, I'm never personally. I'm personally never too busy for someone to cook me a meal, you know, or true. Or. Yeah. Anyway, I'm kidding. Not that hosting is only cooking for others, but. Yeah. Yeah. Well.
- [14:32]
Co-host
And so for me, the biggest thing is getting it on the calendar. It's not what I'M going to prepare. It's not, is my house clean or messy? I mean, it's of course messy. I have nine children. Like, it's, I'm not worried about people messing my house up. We're way past that. I'm not worried about what I'm gonna make. I'm usually gonna make something simple. It' getting the date on the calendar and reaching out to people. I think for me, the hardest part, that might not be everyone's case, but for me, that's definitely the part where it's like, okay, we gotta come up with a plan. And a lot of times I'll push that on my kids. So since I do have teenagers, I'll be like, hey, you want to plan something? Like let's plan them in you and come up with a date. So that helps a lot.
- [15:15]
Megan Fox
That's fun. Yeah.
- [15:17]
Lisa
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- [17:40]
Co-host
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- [17:41]
Lisa
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- [18:40]
Co-host
Okay, so speaking of some of the food and all of that, because I think that can stop a lot of people, especially if they don't have teenage kids to help them like I do. What are some simple meals? So pantry, staple meals, we had a lot of questions about, you know, expense, like if you're going to invite over a larger family too, that's something that's going to actually cost money. And of course you could ask them to bring something so that it's not a burden on just the person hosting. But what are some simple meals that you lean into?
- [19:13]
Megan Fox
Yes. Not that you Always need to have a meal for people necessarily. I don't know if this is just a Mennonite thing, but like, having people over Sunday nights for just like a heavier snack later on in the evening, you know, is totally acceptable, but it's not acceptable in your, like, if, if you're having somebody over. I guess I think it would be kind of hard to think. Every time I invite somebody into my home, it's always for this fancy dinner because that's like one of the harder ways to host. So if you aren't hosting at all, I would say don't start with that. Start with just like a play date where you serve like brunch or you have a snack or. Actually, I'm having a play date next week. I recently made friends with a. Or I became friends with a Mormon girl. And they don't do coffee, which coffee culture is a huge thing among us Mennonites. You know, we don't drink and.
- [20:00]
Co-host
Or I think I could be Mennonite then.
- [20:01]
Megan Fox
Yes, there's amazing, like, no matter where I travel, the coffee is just never as good as at home. There's just so many coffee shops and if you're not good, you don't make it. And yeah, so Mormons don't drink coffee, which is a very interesting part of their culture. And so she was telling us all about Swig, and I'm sure your western listeners know all about that and the soda shops and stuff. I was like, oh my goodness. Okay, I'm gonna have a little Galentine's girls. Just like play date with the kids too. Because she, her, her husband's in the medical, so he's in medical school right now, so it's hard for her to get babysitting. And they're from Utah and so she doesn't have a big circle or anything. So I was like, gonna have a poppin PJ's party and we're gonna have this like a whole soda bar and stuff. So that's not even a meal. I told everybody to bring something heart shaped. Bring something heart shaped to share. Like, I have no idea what they're bringing. I don't know. But they all get to contribute a little bit. And then I have like the soda bar set up with all the little fruits and I don't know, we'll see how it goes this next week. But yeah, it doesn't always. You can be creative. It doesn't always have to be a meal. Just be specific. If you're having people over, let them know what it's For. So they do feed their kids ahead of time if they're supposed to or whatever. But as far as specific foods, you ask about that. I think anything. If it's not. If you have time to prepare, like, if you invite somebody one weekend for the next weekend, then you know the expectations are going to be a little bit higher. You've had time to plan, you've had time to prepare. Maybe you want to do, I like my big cuts of meat when I'm having people over. Like, I'll do a big pork butt or two even and pull it and have pulled pork. Or you can do like loaded nachos and things. Use a little less meat. Yeah, burgers. Burgers are a real crowd pleaser because everybody can make their own, just have lots of different toppings. Nobody's gonna walk away and feel like that was not a good meal. That's very good. That's my husband's favorite. And just having a lot of toppings can be a lot of fun, which isn't a lot of prep. It's just more shopping and condiments. For both. Burgers do not. They're. They're pretty cheap. I like to go to Aldi and I can pretty much guess what every price is. You know, the jar of pickles, the ketchup, the mustard, the buns, the cheese. You know, it's. It's great and easy. But as far as if you're having people over for something last minute that I love, because if it's more last minute, like, oh, it's a Sunday evening, I'm feeling social, all the kids are healthy. What are the chances I'm going to text somebody I haven't seen in a while? I'd love to ask them about their new job or, you know, they just moved back from a different area or whatever. Invite them over for the evening. And it's last minute. So one, the expectations are so much lower.
- [22:24]
Co-host
Right?
- [22:24]
Megan Fox
And you can even have them, hey, grab a snack if you have it and bring it along. But I like to do, in those cases, often something bread related. You always have, like, bread ingredients in your house to quickly make up. I like soft pretzels. I have a recipe on my website for soft pretzel nuggets. And I like the nuggets because not everybody knows how to make soft pretzels. You can still do soft pretzels if you want, but you can still cut. You can also just cut them into little nuggets like Auntie Anne cells or whatever. And everybody can be together in the kitchen. It's an activity. It doesn't take that long. You mix them up, they rise a little. You're putting them in the oven. It's phenomenal. Fresh baked. Any bread product freshly baked is phenomenal, you know, and you didn't even have to know you were going to do it half an hour beforehand, you know, and it's also very cheap. Trying to think, what else? Oh, nachos and cheese and salsa, you know, you always have those in your pantry. I love doing cheese stuff because you can really load up, especially with small families. It is hard. If you're not eating a ton of food at a time and you're not always prepared to feed an army, then it's hard to just randomly have people over because, you know, you don't really have much in your fridge, but there's a few things that you can definitely stock a lot of, like cheese. I can have a whole drawer full of cheese. It keeps for a long time in the fridge and it's filling. There's so many fun things to do with cheese. You know, you can slice up cheese and serve cheese and pretzels and make it that simple. Or you could turn it into like a fancy meat sauce, queso type of thing. Meat dip or something. Yeah, that's some things that came to my mind. Yeah, I know. I have a friend at my church, she's just known for making. She makes very basic chicken curry and rice for, like when she has somebody over for a Sunday lunch and everybody knows it's her signature dish. And I hope that's what she's making. You know, you better make it. Yeah, exactly. So, you know, chicken and rice is not very expensive, but if you have a phenomenal recipe, you know, and if you're having different people over different times, repeat, rinse and repeat. And people love your signature dish, even if you're bored of it.
- [24:13]
Co-host
Yeah, I like the idea, like you said, things that have a lot of toppings because you can accommodate dairy free, gluten free, you know, they can. If they are gluten free, they can just get the burger without the bun. If they're dairy free, they can not add the cheese. If they are vegan, you know, they could take all the toppings and make a salad. Like there's really tacos, nachos. I never really thought about burgers being that, but yeah, that's. That's a really great concept. And typically what I do if we're having people over is tacos because it's just. It's just so easy and I don't have to worry about people's preferences because they can make it themselves.
- [24:52]
Megan Fox
I think the reason I love the taco idea too, I think the reason I steer away from it is because of I like avocado or guac with my like Mexican food. And I never have avocados. Just the perfect ripeness ready to go. But Aldi, if you're an Aldi shopper, they have the diced up avocado in the freezer section that's perfect and ready to go. Oh, if you want to make some guac last minute, my cousin Jana taught me that hack and it's actually, it's pretty good. They're like, they're frozen fresh. I mean, frozen vegetables are actually good for you. So yeah, it's a great hack. If you need something avocado based last.
- [25:23]
Co-host
Minute, I don't think I realized that, but I haven't, I haven't shopped in Aldi in a while because I haven't been close to an Aldi. But there's one ish. Like I could stock up. I like that idea of having that.
- [25:33]
Megan Fox
Well, Walmart, I think Walmart, really? But again, avocados, to bring your price up a little bit. If you're trying to be like, you don't need that. It's just for me.
- [25:40]
Co-host
Yeah, it's just good to add it. So yeah, if the budget's a concern, doing ground beef is very inexpensive. And then all of the toppings.
- [25:49]
Megan Fox
Yeah, I mean, I'm a sauce girl. Like you can serve chicken nuggets at like a girls play date. And if you have some fun sauces or things that they're not used to, or even just like the good breaded chicken tenders or something that you didn't even bother making, but you did buy them. You know, it's just, it's fun, it's different, it's something that people are. You might be introducing them to a new hot sauce or a new dip and you know, that's the conversation. It's not necessarily your like five star chef cooking.
- [26:11]
Co-host
Right. Okay, so you mentioned that you're having this Galentine's party with the kids and it's wintertime, so it's likely going to be very cold outside. How do you handle a lot of small chill drinks? If you have a lot of moms, there's going to be a lot of kids. Where do they go or what do you have them do in your house?
- [26:29]
Megan Fox
Yeah, I have a decent sized home now. But first, when we got married, it was very small it was like 800 square feet. Now we have about 2,000 plus the basement. So a basement is so nice. And I found for myself, I love if you have a basement that's like not necessarily the nicest, but you feel like, oh, I should make it up to the level of the rest of my house. Don't feel the need to because our kid, like the kids go down there and they can destroy the place. And I don't even have to like feel too. I mean, yes, you need to supervise your kids and make sure that everybody's being safe and all of that, but it's so freeing to have a place for them to go where you're not worried about them breaking things. Right?
- [27:03]
Lisa
Yes.
- [27:04]
Megan Fox
Yeah. So that's what we'll do because we have the basement and then the small children. You know, it's good to put. It's that mobile stage. Is it like one year old, when they're mobile, they can kind of move around and you can't tell them no, hardly. And they will break everything in sight if they can, you know, move those things out of the way. Because you're not, you want somebody else's. Like, you don't want another mom feeling bad that their one year old, you know, ripped down your vase full of flowers that they could reach, you know, when they turned their back or whatever. So just be proactive, get that stuff out of the way. But have a little basket of baby toys where the moms are going to be at because you know, the kids are going to be there anyway, you know.
- [27:38]
Co-host
Right.
- [27:39]
Megan Fox
So you can just have some and quiet toys are better, you know, not loud. It's just so overstimulating when you have a lot of people in a home. So I feel like. Yes. Yeah. The quieter toys, nothing with electronics is definitely the way to go. But I will say too, none of my friends or myself are homeschool moms. So we just have preschoolers right now that would come along. So it's everybody's like zero to five, you know, but it's still a lot of kids. A lot. I think it's like, oh no, that helps so much. Like you have to remember that. Yeah, exactly, it helps. So like setting nights would be more of a problem where, you know, we had people over one time already and I didn't have enough stuff for the 10 year olds like that age to do. And they were like ripping down the ceiling in the basement. I don't know what they were trying to do.
- [28:16]
Co-host
I guess that's what I'm talking About. I forgot because. Yeah, when I had a bunch of. Or when I had little kids and got together with other friends. This was before school age, so a lot of those friends ended up sending their kids to school. But this is when we all had little kids. It's a whole different thing. So now just my sister and I, when we get together, we have between the two of us 12 sons and 12, you know, 12 and under. And so it just like we have to have something for them to do. Usually though, it's not cold enough for us to not send kids outside. At least the older kids. Yeah, yeah. You can just bundle them up.
- [28:52]
Megan Fox
Even if you have like a large different age groups for the evening. I find like a campfire can be very unifying for all ages. Like just sit around the campfire. Oh yeah, you don't even need. Especially if there's people that don't know each other as well and some of them just want to kind of fade into the background, not be making like all this eye contact and stuff. Like campfires are great way for just kind of sit back and observe and listen. If they're not feeling comfortable being part of the conversation, maybe they will warm up to it or like that awkward teenage stage where there's just like, you know, one or two of them and you know, eventually they'll warm up. So I really do like campfires too. But it's not necessarily that time of year right now.
- [29:27]
Co-host
Yeah, well it is here. I think we get. Get really cold temperatures. But most of winter doesn't really average. Like the average is actually. I looked it up, it's actually very interesting. But it's in the upper 30s, lower 40s, which I'm like it feels colder than that, but apparently it's not. So a lot of days actually do lend themselves to campfires. I'm not sure how it is over in Pennsylvania.
- [29:50]
Megan Fox
Consider that for sure. I mean right now it's like 40 today, 20 tomorrow. Like it's just.
- [29:54]
Co-host
Yeah. Swings a lot, right? Yes. So you can get those good days as well. So you talk a little bit about home systems that make hosting more manageable in everyday life. I assume this means like keeping your home in a state where people could drop by. What does that look like for you? What are some of those systems?
- [30:14]
Megan Fox
Yeah, for sure you are not going to want to host if it's like a multi step. I mean it is a multi step process. But if it's. If the first step, which is, you know, maybe cleaning up your home or whatever, if that's going to take you all week. You don't even have places to put the things. You know, all of that. I think that's where it comes back to. Hosting is out of a life of abundance in some ways. You're in, you're in that place where you have the mental energy to invite people over. So if you feel like you just do not have time to get on top of your house, you cannot ever have it all clean at once. It could be that you have too many things. I think that's like there's so much, there's multi million dollar industry out there of cleaning videos and organization videos. But I firmly believe you don't even need most of those videos if you are minimal enough for your family. And I'm not a minimalist necessarily. I love that cozy, collected look when it comes to decor. But when I say minimal, I'm talking you open your skincare drawer and you have your three items that you use, not 40 things. Because my counter, my bathroom counter the other day was just like, which, praise the Lord, we have three bathrooms. So we have the guest bathroom and then you know, the other ones. But if you have 50 products sitting out in your counter and then you go to put them away so people don't see them and you don't know where to even go with them, you know, the barrier to entry and of having people over is just so much greater. So I think minimizing is too high. Yes, minimizing is just so, so key. And that's, that's something that you're kind of constantly doing. But I think sometimes it does take that big push kind of at the beginning. And this is a good time of year to do that. And if you think you don't have time, maybe I don't know what your cultures are like, people that are listening, but I know a lot of people take a lot of time to decorate for different seasons and stuff like that. Just skip, skip, don't decorate for spring this year. You know, just go right to the summer decor and use that extra time to declutter. I think decluttering avoids a lot of cleaning and organizing because there's just not that much to clean or organize afterwards. You know, I agree with you.
- [32:04]
Co-host
I really love like the cozy, collected look in a home. And I think people sometimes lump that all together like, oh, I am a maximalist because I like my decor to not look all white and straight lines and, you know, have no character. But I'm, I'm exactly like you. Like, I like my home to look that way. But behind all the overwhelming parts, like behind the drawers and our inside drawers in cabinets, I don't need that to be something that's unmanageable for me. I don't think those things have to go together.
- [32:36]
Megan Fox
No, they don't. Because you're not moving your decor. Like, it's there. It's doing its job by being pretty looking, like. Yeah. Cozy. But when you have to move, the reason you have a hundred bottles sitting on your counter is because you dug through all the ones. You don't need to get to the ones you do. Yeah. So just cut those out.
- [32:52]
Co-host
Yeah. And that. That could be an episode all on its own. Because it's hard. Like, I was literally thinking as you were saying that about my skin care, and I'm always wanting to try different things, and certain things don't work how you expected it to. Like, as I get older, I, like, really want my face to be very moisturized. And so I that help with that. And then this one really didn't work very well for that. And so I don't get rid of it, but I get something else. And I'm like, that's where you run into trouble with that. But I do think being intentional with that, if that's the thing that's stopping you from taking part in community, it's worth it to just sometimes cut your losses and be like, hey, this didn't work out.
- [33:27]
Lisa
That's okay.
- [33:28]
Megan Fox
Yeah, it's very fixable. You can do it. I promise you that.
- [33:31]
Lisa
You can.
- [33:33]
Megan Fox
And as far as cleaning, when it comes to, let's say you actually prepared and you're having people over that weekend or whatever, I would definitely say that don't save all the cleaning till the end. Clean the things that are kind of out of the way. Monday, Tuesday, whatever. You know, maybe exterior windows or things people aren't going to touch. And I don't even think you need to. I personally feel like when I invite people into my home, it doesn't mean they have free access to every room in my home. I think it's completely fine to say, you don't need to go upstairs.
- [34:00]
Co-host
Yes. And though sometimes, like, I know certain people that will, like, I'm like, better clean. Like, I know they're gonna head upstairs, because I'm not going to say, like, no, don't go up there. But most people would. Would probably not just, you know, go to, like, the kid zone. That's what my upstairs is, is kid zone. And so bringing that back in order, you know. But ultimately, though, it doesn't have to be perfect. Like if the kid zone is a disaster. Oh well, like if I did not get to it. Oh well. Like if anything, I'm just gonna make you feel better about yourself. Like just so you know, you're better homemaker than me. Because my kids rooms aren't always.
- [34:36]
Megan Fox
That's right. You know, some camaraderie here. We both have toy rooms.
- [34:40]
Co-host
Yes. Yeah. Okay, so any other systems you want to talk about? Do you do anything to prepare like the food part ahead of time? I guess maybe it depends on the meal and the crowd and what's happening there.
- [34:53]
Megan Fox
Yeah, for sure. I would say I like to shop. This is maybe something unusual. But if I. If I kind of am in a rhythm of wanting to have people over on the weekends, I will usually do my grocery shop on Fridays, which is so opposite. Almost everybody I know likes to go on Mondays. I like to go on Fridays. And then since we're maybe coming out of this stage a little bit as my kids get older and start eating more. But when you're a smaller family, you don't have a lot of one thing around just to have people over last minute or if like an opportunity presents itself to invite friends over or something. And so what I often do, I do a loose meal planning type of thing. But what I'll do is make sure that I have enough for two meals for our family because. And that is a popular meal, you know. So let's say I'm planning to do like crispy chicken sandwiches or something. And my family loves those. I'll get enough for two for us to eat twice. And then that's on Friday. And so if we happen to have people over on the weekend, I'll know, oh, that's what we're gonna serve because I got enough for, you know, more people. And then if we don't have people over, my family loves that meal. They are not gonna complain. Eating it twice. Maybe not back to back nights, but like eating it Monday and Thursday night or something because we have double of the, the, the buns or whatever you happen to buy. I know you bake all of your buns, but yeah, that's kind of how I often would shop. Especially when we didn't have a lot of stocked in the fridge of all the same thing, you know?
- [36:13]
Co-host
Yes, yes. Do you ever do or do people that you ever go to their houses? Is it common to do like a potluck style where especially I feel like if you're having over a larger family, like as a Large family. I almost always feel bad going to anybody's house if I didn't bring something because I don't think I felt that way before, but now I'm like, okay, like, you probably don't want to have us over. And actually some large families I know tend to do that as well. When they have people over and they invite other large families, it usually will be like, everybody will bring something to contribute for sure.
- [36:49]
Megan Fox
Speaking especially too from like the guest side of things, if somebody offers or invites you over more than a day ahead of time, I will often say, oh, we're so excited to come. Let me know what I can bring. I will be on the road tomorrow and can pick up and, you know, just let them know if you are.
- [37:04]
Co-host
Going to be on the road.
- [37:05]
Megan Fox
If you are going to be on the road, let them know, like, I can bring anything. The world is your oyster. Like, let me know what to bring. If you're not going to be able to do that, you can still say, is there anything I can bring? If you have something you kind of are wanting to bring, you know you're already making like a peanut butter pie for your own family. Be like, I can make a second one.
- [37:19]
Co-host
Yes.
- [37:21]
Megan Fox
So, yeah, just being specific as a guest is super helpful too. And yes, as a hostess, if they're offering, absolutely. Take them up on it. If you can think of something, even if it's just, hey, could you bring a drink? Which I'm not a huge fan of that. I think we can just drink water. But some people like to have drinks, especially like a supper or something Sunday night, burgers and Coke or whatever. They can just grab drinks on their way or something like that. So, yeah, I definitely. Even just for. Even if they're only bringing like ice cream or something, that's not really helping with your effort, but it's helping with the cost. So, yeah, if you feel like you're in that position. I don't feel like it's a bad thing to let people bring things.
- [37:56]
Lisa
Yeah.
- [37:56]
Co-host
And it does make it more fun too. When there's a variety of different things and when a lot of people contribute, that's where you end up with like, yeah, like a fun drink. I'm with you. I always, always forget about drinks when I'm hosting. I'm like, oh, yeah, like, all I have is water. But it's fine because you know, it'll work. But I just forget that some people do like to have like an iced tea or lemonade or something like that.
- [38:17]
Megan Fox
Yeah. And I had. I Had a friend's giving this past fall and I for a brief moment thought, maybe I'll just make everything. And then I'm like, no way. We're gonna have so much more fun if everybody brings stuff.
- [38:26]
Co-host
Yes.
- [38:26]
Megan Fox
And oh my word, it was so fun to try all the things.
- [38:28]
Co-host
Yeah, Thanksgiving especially, that's something that. It's that, that type of meal, if you're making it all yourself, that could take a lot of the fun out of it. That's why it's a meal shared with a lot of people.
- [38:39]
Megan Fox
It's a very food centric event. So, yeah, if you don't want to cook, maybe don't.
- [38:42]
Co-host
Don't plan that well, many things like instead of just making a big pot of spaghetti or tacos where you're just putting out a bunch of toppings and browning up some meat, I think it's. It's a lot more. It's a lot more difficult. You don't. Not every meal has to be like that for sure.
- [38:57]
Megan Fox
If you're wanting to have community into your home and the world is your oyster, you can't really decide like you know who you want to have, but you don't really know what you want to do. I suggest thinking about what you have that's unique that you can bring to the table. Like, we're really close to a walking trail. So, you know, telling everybody to come, I'll make you coffees and then we'll go walk on the walking trail. It's a super easy way.
- [39:16]
Co-host
That sounds fun.
- [39:17]
Megan Fox
You don't even have to let them in your home if you don't want to. But obviously, like they'll come in to use the bathroom and stuff, whatever. But yeah, you can totally. Then I suggest set pretty strict parameters of time. Like let's meet at 10 and we'll walk. You know, just if you don't want people hanging out all day or whatever, you have to just communicate that. But if you don't have anything specifically exciting about your home or your space, you know, get resourceful. One thing I did one year was Panera Bread sells bagels. And how often do you go out of your way to go get a bagel? I mean, I don't usually, but they're special, they're fun, they're different. And so I planned a bagel party. I guess we got like a play date on a Wednesday because I knew Tuesdays had. Panera Bread has their bagels for like a good price. Baker's dozen.
- [40:01]
Co-host
Okay.
- [40:02]
Megan Fox
I forget what the price is. So I got Them on Tuesday and on Wednesday. Or no, maybe it was Tuesday. Had everybody over on Tuesday. I ran and got the bagels, and then they came over and I had, like, a charcuterie board style spread just set out with, like, orange wedges and all the different cream cheeses. And you could just, like, buy all the cream cheeses. I made them. But, you know, you can make it as complicated or as easy as you want to.
- [40:21]
Co-host
Right.
- [40:22]
Megan Fox
I had two toasters set out, and they were just toasting their bagels and making their cream cheese. And then we had fruit. Like strawberries and oranges are really pretty, you know, just there. Ready to go now? Yeah. It was special because Panera bread bagels. Like, how fun, right?
- [40:37]
Co-host
I love all your themes. You're like, okay, we're gonna do Valentine's with sodas. We're gonna do walking and coffee. We're gonna do bagels. I think that really makes it fun and it sets an expectation. That's fine. Like, that's what's fun about a lot of things, is looking forward to something as simple as, like, bagels with lots of different cream cheeses and having that to look forward to and knowing what to expect. You need to put a list on your blog of, like, all of your little ideas.
- [41:03]
Megan Fox
My brain. I'm like, oh, I'm not the hostess with the mostest. Like, I have all these superstar Mennonite homemaker hosting people, like, in my life that are just shine as cooks and, like, really have all the different dishes ready to go. And that's just not me. But that's true. Maybe my superpower is more, like, coming up with, like, just a unique little twist or something fun. Yes. Yeah, yeah, whatever. Your superpower is absolutely. Go for it. You know, this is really random, but my friend has a sauna, and I'm like, you should just have a sauna party. Like, you know, we just come over and sit there, whatever. And I love a dress code if you can. Like, that just makes things more fun too. If you're like, hey, me and my daughter, she wanted to plan a little backyard part patio party. Oh, this is getting me excited for summer. But I was like, you know what? Everybody wear your. We never. We're not. We're friends from high school, we're not friends from church or anything. I was like, everybody wear your favorite fancy dress so we can, like, see each other's favorite dresses. Like, how often do we see each other in our fancy clothes? And it was super fun. We just had, like, a backyard, you know, tea party style Thing. And yeah, a dress code can be really fun, too. As long as it's not, like, don't make anybody have to go buy anything new. That's just another thing on a busy mom's plate, you know?
- [42:10]
Co-host
Well, so maybe I shouldn't bring up my sister. My youngest sister has an annual party called Frock Tales, and she came up with it because there's like, oh, you.
- [42:17]
Megan Fox
Guys sew these, right?
- [42:19]
Co-host
Yeah, but it's just once a year. And guess what? I opted out last year. I still went, but I. I was like, I. I had Miriam on September 6, and the party was on, like, I don't know, like, three weeks later. And I was like, ahead of time. I was like, I won't be sewing anything, but my daughters do. And so they have a ton of fun with it. So if you don't sew anything, you're still allowed to go. But that is the theme of the party. And it's. It's outside. And like you said, it's beautiful summer, like zinnia bouquets and fresh foods, charcuterie style, little, like, tea type type sandwiches. And then you show, like, we have a time during the party where you get up and you kind of, like, show your outfit and explain it, like, explain the pattern or how you came up with it or what the fabric was. But that's kind of in line with, like, your themes there, like the dress. So it's part of the fun. It is fun.
- [43:11]
Megan Fox
You sometimes get more out of it the more you put into it. So I can totally see that. And I will say too, like, if you have a party like that or an event like that, and it's a real hit. There is nothing wrong with making an annual thing. You already have your menu figured out. You have. People have their expectations. They're going to be actually a little bit sad if you try to reinvent the wheel and make it all different.
- [43:29]
Lisa
Yes.
- [43:29]
Megan Fox
And it really does cut down. You remember how it was last year. You're always going to mess up something, whether that's like running out of something or burning food or even just forgetting to tell people where to park or all the little things. And so every time you do it again, you're refining and learning and making it better. And so I think it's really great. We used to do a chicken barbecue on our back patio every summer, and people look forward to it. They knew what to expect. Josh used his dad's big barbecue pit, and we had pretty much the same thing every time. And then everybody brought, like, either a Dessert or a salad to share. Very simple. You bring your folding chairs and the kids bring their rotting toys, and we just hang out. Beautiful weather, usually. And yeah, it's like rinse and repeat every year. People look forward to that. That.
- [44:12]
Lisa
Yeah.
- [44:12]
Co-host
I think there's something to be said for annual traditions, because when you have people in your life that have them, like, I can think of some right offhand. At least three things that every year these certain people have this certain thing on a certain weekend. You don't have to tell me what to bring. I know exactly the drill. And if they didn't, I'd be like, wait, what? Where's the. Where's the part? Like, you know, this is something we do every single year. And so I think kind of establishing some of those traditions for the people in your life, like, you can be that person who has something that everybody looks forward to.
- [44:42]
Megan Fox
Yes, that's right. And if you feel like you don't have anything to bring to the table, just some ideas would be. You know, my friends, they do a hay ride every year because he has a tractor and a wagon. Even if you don't have something, think about what your parents might let you borrow. Like, my dad got a French fry fryer, and that was really fun to use one time. Now, with kids, you gotta be careful. Please put it out by the shop or the barn so the kids aren't around the hot oil. But, like, French fry, like frying fries or wings, you know, that's special. That's something different. And my dad has an ice cream machine. You know, we borrow that once a year and have, like, an ice cream social thing, you know?
- [45:13]
Co-host
Yeah.
- [45:14]
Megan Fox
What do you have that might be a little extra special or different that you don't have to spend a lot of money on, especially to everybody else because they might not have it or. Yeah. I don't know. Like, you're talking about, like, making bread bowls and stuff in your one video. And I was like, that's genius. Like, not everybody knows how to make bread bowls.
- [45:27]
Lisa
Right.
- [45:27]
Megan Fox
Very simple for you. But it's so special for everybody else who doesn't have that very often, you know?
- [45:31]
Co-host
Yeah. It doesn't have to be an item. Like, it doesn't have to be something you own. It can be, like, a skill that you've developed. Well, like, my. One of my daughters right now, her big obsession is learning croissants, and she's gotten good at them. Like, they are like, they came out of a bakery, and I'm like, that would be an example of like, hey, come over and have my fresh out of the oven homemade croissants. Like that's not something you have to own. It's just a skill that you have that you can develop, that you, like you said you can offer. Everybody has something to offer. Whether it's something in your home, something you can borrow, some skill you can develop. I think that's a really good point.
- [46:03]
Megan Fox
Point. Yeah. Think about that for yourself. That's good. Homework assignment. What, what superpower do you have? My one friend is not a good cook. She claims. I don't know. How would we know? She doesn't cook for us. She doesn't like.
- [46:14]
Lisa
It's just her excuse.
- [46:15]
Megan Fox
She claims she's. No, she claims she's a bad cook. But we have the most fun parties with them because she has activities planned. Like we just had a. She did a lumberjack party and she had all. She had the big saws out and like all these things and got everybody involved, all ages and everything. I'm like, to me she's the hostess with the mostest. Even if she says she can't cook her. They had grilled cheese on the flat top and chili and it was so fun. So maybe you're more of like the activity person or whatever. You know, you can really lean into that and use your kids skills. I know. This is something I want to talk about today too is to help get your kids involved. You'll host a lot more if they get excited for it and they facilitate it as well. And if you have daughters or sons, even get them involved. Like my daughter was really into making icing roses lately and so have cupcakes for dessert and let her put the icing roses on them or something. They're not going to look Perfect. She's an 8 year old but she gets to be involved. Or maybe you have a daughter who loves arts and crafts. You don't really need name tags at the tables, but sure, let her be involved. Let her make little name tags or make a pretty little menu poster that you don't really need. But get them involved. And when people show up, get your little boys to take their coats and hang them on the hooks. Getting your whole family involved because if you're like the only one behind the wheelbarrow pushing it and your family's not helping, you know, it's. The barrier to entry is a lot harder. You're not going to want to do it more.
- [47:33]
Co-host
Yes, that is, that is true. That's. That's been something that's helped me in the last several years is just having older kids who are also interested in hosting. I mean, I could. I could, like, fully, if I wanted to outsource a party to them and just be like, hey, tell me when to be there.
- [47:46]
Megan Fox
I can't wait to have that stage of life. But I guess that's.
- [47:49]
Co-host
Yeah.
- [47:49]
Megan Fox
I mean, that's your reward for your labor coming back to you, I guess.
- [47:52]
Co-host
Yeah.
- [47:53]
Lisa
Yes.
- [47:53]
Co-host
But, yeah, like, we were talking about the age gaps. That is. Yeah. There's certain things about having all little kids that's for sure easier. But then there's also certain things about having older kids that's for sure easier, too, and really opens up a lot of possibilities. And, you know, that could be the thing that I have to offer is I have more adults in my house, so we can host more efficiently because of that. And another thing would be like, the after the party cleanup. So this was one of the questions, and I have so much help with all of that. So I'm not sitting there stressed thinking, oh, I'm gonna be up till midnight cleaning this all up, because I know that, you know, we'll all pitch in and it won't be that big of a deal. One of the questions was, how do you enjoy guests instead of feeling stressed, rushed, or constantly on duty?
- [48:35]
Megan Fox
I feel that. Absolutely. And I think you actually have a lot of control over that yourself. So you can have, you know, Valentine's is, you know, this month and everything. You could have had people over for crepes, and you could be there making all these little individual crepes for everybody.
- [48:49]
Lisa
But.
- [48:49]
Megan Fox
But that's fine. That's awesome. But now you're doing that. You're stuck at the stairs.
- [48:53]
Co-host
That's what you're doing for the party.
- [48:54]
Megan Fox
Yes, exactly. And so I think it's really nice to. If you can do food prep, do it ahead of time or do a make your own bar of some kind that everybody can be there kind of putting their toppings on their pizza crust, and everybody's kind of in the kitchen together, and you just have to kind of facilitate, make sure people have the knife they need or, you know, whatever, that kind of thing. I definitely think you, as a hostess, have almost full. Almost full control of that. Not totally, but also. Yeah, a lot of that is just prepping ahead of time and picking foods that, you know, mostly you're just waiting for the smoker to be done. You can pull the meat off, and you can go. You know, I think it's really hard in our midnight culture, Sunday lunches Having people over right directly after church on Sunday is like a thing. Okay. And then these women cook the meat, the potatoes, the noodles, the green beans. Oh, and then we're making gravy as well. That has to be done at the exact right time when the green beans are done. And like. No, no, no, don't even do that. That's why I love, like, burgers and things like that, because the timing of everything is so much less fragile or nitpicky. You know, having everything done and hot at the same time. Nothing overcooked is a skill. It definitely is.
- [50:00]
Co-host
Yeah. And I mean, I'm sure most people feel this way, but I'm never going for the good food, you know, I'm going for the company. I don't care at all. Like, we can have peanut butter and jellies. That's fine. Like, we're going for the company. It's nice that I'm gonna bring my kids home. Not hungry as well, but it doesn't really matter what it is.
- [50:18]
Megan Fox
So make sure they have some water or some coffee. Yeah. You really don't even always need food when it comes to hosting, but I don't know, I feel like there's something that's special that really happens when you are around food. And it can be a conversation starter or an activity, depending what you're doing.
- [50:31]
Co-host
Yeah, it is nice. It is nice. One thing my daughters did recently is they had, for my daughter's 17th birthday, they had a bunch of friends over and they made pizza dough ahead of time. And then making the pizzas was part of the party. I'm like, instead of one of you guys going back there in the kitchen, why don't you go set all the dough out on the the big table, bring out all the toppings, bring out a bunch of rolling pins, and then just, you know, that'll be like something you can do. So it's not all you.
- [50:58]
Lisa
It is super important to me in my home with a large family to simplify from scratch cooking by having a well stocked pantry and also some snacks to pull from that don't have any junk in them that I don't want my kids having. The goal is healthy food, as simple as possible. And Thrive Market is a way that I'm able to do that. Thrive Market is a membership based grocery service where you can shop from wherever you are. Simply just hop on their app. It's a frequently used app for me. The membership breaks down to just $5 a month, and it gives members access to weekly sales, personalized shopping with filters, auto ship and save, free gifts and peace of mind knowing there's no junk in any of the products they carry. Instead of paying fees on every grocery delivery order, you pay once for the year and benefit from it every time you shop. I have personally been a customer of Thrive Market for so many years and I have so many things that I regularly get from Thrive Market just shipped straight to my door. Makes it really easy for a busy mom like me ready to make some healthy swaps and become a member. Join Thrive Market with my link thrivemarket.com forward/farmhouse for 30 off your order plus a free 60 gift when I first started my blog 10 years ago now, I had a lot of doubts. Starting something new isn't just hard, it's terrifying. So much work goes into this thing that you're not entirely sure will work out and it can be hard to make that leap of faith. Trust me, I know. When I started my blog and my podcast, I wasn't even sure what I was doing. Doing. What if no one listens? What if I make a fool of myself? What if no one buys my products? Now I know that I was right believing in myself and launching my business despite all the fears and hesitations. It also helps when you have a partner like Shopify on your side to help. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Heinz and Mattel to brands just Just getting started. You can get started with your own design studio. With hundreds of ready to use templates, Shopify helps you build a beautiful online store that matches your brand style. Get the word out like you have a marketing team behind you. Easily create email and social media campaigns wherever your customers are scrolling or strolling. Best yet, Shopify is your commerce expert with world class expertise in everything from managing inventory to international shipping, depending on processing returns and beyond. And what if you get stuck? Shopify is always around to share advice with their award winning 24. 7 customer support. It's time to turn those wh ifs into with Shopify today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com farmhouse go to shopify.com farmhouse that's shopify.com farm farmhouse now.
- [53:46]
Co-host
I think some people feel like they need to get ahead of the mess. What what about when you're worrying about how long it's going to take to clean it up later? I'm sure you've been somewhere where the hostess is like the second you're Done either. Like taking it away and starting to do the dishes, which it makes you feel like, oh, you know, a little bit. I don't know, like, like it's. The fun has ended now. Okay, we are cleaning up.
- [54:12]
Megan Fox
I, I so could not relate to that. I'm just like, when they leave and the door shuts behind them, it's just like, I turn around and it's carnage. And that's same.
- [54:19]
Co-host
I do it like.
- [54:20]
Megan Fox
And I don't even mind that.
- [54:22]
Co-host
I get neither.
- [54:23]
Megan Fox
People are like trying to put dishes away from me. I'm like, don't look in there. Yeah, yeah, just leave it alone.
- [54:27]
Co-host
I'll get this later.
- [54:28]
Megan Fox
That's how I like. People are always volunteering to help after a meal, which never rush people at a meal. If they're sitting and talking, you might never leave the table. That's actually a great tip. If you have, have a small home. If you're feeding them a meal and the kids go off and play and the adults just never move from the table, that is a successful dinner party.
- [54:43]
Co-host
Yes, you're right.
- [54:44]
Megan Fox
That means nobody even bothered to get up. That's awesome. Maybe quietly get up and tuck the leftovers in the fridge and stuff. If people offer to help you, let them help you put the leftovers in the fridge. We don't want to waste all those good leftovers.
- [54:54]
Co-host
Right.
- [54:54]
Megan Fox
And I like to load the dishwasher and get that started. I know not everyone has a dishwasher, but I like to get that started and then everything else. It can soak or sit there. I love paper supplies. I know, but it's like, for hosting, it's, it's a great little trick. It cuts down on a lot of dishes and stuff. So, yeah, I'm one of those people that I'd rather just have it sitting there. We'll look at it later. Just kind of have it contained to a certain area.
- [55:18]
Co-host
Yes.
- [55:19]
Megan Fox
And worry about it later. But yeah, my cousin Jaina, she's my podcast co host and she is the absolute opposite. She cannot sit down and be with her guests until like the floor swept and everything. So. So I would say it's. If you can learn to just let it go until later, you know, your husband can help you out if it's an evening thing, after they're in bed or, you know, you can even wash dishes the next morning.
- [55:40]
Co-host
I know exactly. I always tell myself, okay, what's going on tomorrow? This, you know, if nothing, like, you know, we don't have something till 11 o' clock the next day. Let's say it's a Saturday or something. I don't know. Like, well, then what, what makes you think that this can't sit here tonight? Like, that's definitely something I have gotten so much better at over the years. Just because the more, the more kids you have or the more, you know, there's just like so much going on.
- [56:07]
Megan Fox
It's okay.
- [56:08]
Co-host
Like, nothing happens to me if I don't get this all taken care of tonight and tomorrow. My house can be spotless. And it always takes less time than I think, too. And for the record, I still don't always clean it up that, that night. Like, I. I don't leave it the next day. But it's nice thinking that you could. And nothing's gonna happen to you. It's gonna be okay.
- [56:27]
Megan Fox
You know, your guests are here while they're here, so if you can enjoy them while you're putting your dishes away and washing them, then go for it. Can't. Then I think you need to just leave it alone and worry about it later because they're only here for that amount of time, you know, and it's the worst when you're in the kitchen working and everybody else is having a conversation and you can just like hear bits and pieces, you know, either invite everybody into the kitchen with you or just leave it alone, I would say.
- [56:49]
Co-host
Yeah. Yes, exactly. Exactly. Now, somebody asked about having a small home or a mini house or a one bathroom space. Do you have any tips for that?
- [57:04]
Megan Fox
That's a great question, Lisa. I will say, obviously when it's warm weather, all of that, take advantage of the outside. You can even plan a meetup at a park or something. Everybody brings stuff to grill. But if it's like colder weather, you're inside. Yeah, one. Invite less people for sure. You know, there's nothing with wrong with just having one family over. I would be cautious, though. If you're gonna have one family over, make sure that you can hit it off with the wife and your husband can hit it off with the husband, or that you can just all hang out, all four of you together. And that's great. That's why it is nice sometimes if you have a couple where the husband's more quiet to have a third family, you know, so somebody can be more quiet and it's fine. So just think about that dynamic. But definitely have less people. If your house is small, don't feel like you need to have the whole family. If you have a large family or something. Just. I'm sorry, I'm saying Like you don't have all your sisters and their. Their kids and everything. You can just invite a sister over. You can have a different sister another weekend, whatever. And they should be gracious. Understanding the size of your home and everything is so over stimulating when you have a small house and all these people in it. So don't feel the need to decorate a ton. That just takes up more space. It's more mental clutter and physical clutter. So if you're having like a birthday party or something, I would say keep it pretty small. Keep it like decor on the wall. Maybe not just have stuff sitting everywhere. You can definitely do a lot less decorating. I feel like if you're having a themed birthday party or something, if your house is smaller.
- [58:29]
Co-host
Yeah, yeah.
- [58:31]
Megan Fox
I would say use your coat, use your bed for the kids, for everybody to throw their coats on so they're not like right there underfoot. Have a place to put shoes so people aren't tripping over them. Like, think about those things ahead of time a little bit. Because even if you have a small amount of space, putting away the coats and the shoes and stuff is definitely going to feel like you have more space than you really do. And like I was saying earlier, if nobody gets up from the table the whole time, that just saves you a lot of space. The kids can have the living area and you're in the kitchen and it works out well.
- [58:57]
Co-host
Yeah, I think we overthink it too. I think that it tends to work almost no matter what. Like, you're not going to be all standing there and be like, oh, no, we're stuck. Like, this isn't going to work. It's too small. Like, it might not be perfect and ideal, but it does work. That there's an event we go to every year and this family lives in a tiny house, but they have their outside space. Like they have a pavilion. They have a big fire pit. They have two trampolines. Not just one, but two. They have a big playground. They have a Gaga ball pit. I don't know if they call it different things, different places. Places call it octo ball, but it's like the favorite event that we go to. And it's usually cold, but it's still just so fun. Just with all of the outside space, there's no limit on the amount of guests that can come because of that.
- [59:47]
Megan Fox
That.
- [59:47]
Co-host
So I think sometimes we just tend to overthink it. Like, think, oh, this won't work. I can't host. This will not work. And it sometimes actually, like, my Sister. One of my sisters is a huge host and she doesn't live like on a big farm, she doesn't have a big house. Like in all, you know, you could easily have made a lot of excuses for why she couldn't host. But yet some of the most fun events that we go to are there.
- [60:13]
Megan Fox
Yeah, I love that. I've always lived in a fixer upper my whole life as a child even we moved to the family farm and we moved like we were always remodeling something as my parents had the money or the time to do it. And so I feel like I've learned to relish parameters and restrictions because they narrow down your options. When everything's not an option anymore, you get creative and you think of what will work with your situation. So enjoy that. You know, if you had all the money in the world, all the budget, all the, you know, space for as many people as you want and everything, it's overwhelming. So enjoy, enjoy those parameters. Yes. And roll with it and just be, you know, if, if this is not a season of life you're always going to be in, you will miss certain things about the season you're in now. Later, like I look back at my little house and I miss a lot of things about it. And so look for those moments or those aspects of your life that you, that you can really enjoy now because yeah, they're positive sometimes.
- [61:12]
Co-host
Well, yeah. And there's not going to be any perfect situation. There's not going to be a situation that makes hosting not giving of yourselves. You know, one of the questions I was supposed to ask you was how does our self focused mindset hold us back from hospitality and how can we overcome that? We can touch on that briefly but before wrapping up. But I think ultimately we can find an excuse to make because it isn't going to be easy pretty much no matter what. Unless you have like some crew to come in and clean it all up, which nobody has. That.
- [61:44]
Megan Fox
Yes, that was something I actually wanted to say at the beginning but maybe it's better to do it at the end since it sounds a little abrasive. But I think the reason a lot of people are not hosting is because they're just too self centered. We're thinking about ourselves too much. What? What, my house isn't big enough or I am not a good cook or it's just all this me centered thoughts. They're not thinking about you necessarily. In fact, especially if you're having multiple people, you're not just the star of the show. You can all just hang out together. And if they're walking away and your house, let's say your house was too crowded or it's not that cute or it's run down or whatever. And if they're thinking bad thoughts about that, well, maybe then they should be hosting in their perfect house and their wonderful home. You know, I would not take that attitude at all because you were the one that were brave enough to invite people into your home and to host. And I will say cleanliness and order cover a multitude of sins. It's free to have a tidy and clean home. You know, not time wise, but money wise. And so if somebody steps, I think that first initial step into your home, think about that, you know, is the temperature, is it suffocating? Is it hot? Because, you know, in the wintertime sometimes people can have their wood stove going crazy. Is it too hot or too cold? Do they have a place to put their coat in their shoes? Do you, Are you greeting them with a nice smile? Does it smell like have something baking that smells good or you have food cooking? I would not do lots of overwhelming scents or like strong candles or anything like that because that can be really off putting to people too. Just think about that initial. When you walk into someone's house, what makes you feel like, oh, they were expecting me, they're excited for me to be here and do that in your own home. Cozy lighting. I like lots of light so people can see what's going on. But if your house is a little dingy or beat up or whatever, just lower the lighting a little. It's a mood, it's a vibe. Just think about that first initial step. I often like to think of what goes through my head when I walk into an Airbnb when I'm staying somewhere and okay, is there nice clean hand towels in the bathroom? And all those things I just mentioned are something you think about, like the ambiance, the temperature, all that. You could have music in the background. I think that's when I put music on. I feel like I'm almost like setting expectations, like this is like an event or whatever. I don't often put music on, but if it's just like the girls coming over for like a play date or coffee and chat or whatever, I like to have like a little classical or something playing in the background just for fun. But yeah, I think that first initial step inside is something you can think about and then everything else is kind of just extras.
- [64:16]
Co-host
Yes, I think those are all just great points. It just doesn't have to be perfect. I think people are craving community. They're wanting to be invited over and so looking for opportunities to do something simple. You mentioned so many great. Just little themes that are just don't seem very difficult to pull off. And so I love those. Tell the listeners where they can follow along. You said you're doing a hosting series on your YouTube channel, is that correct?
- [64:43]
Megan Fox
Well, it's going to come towards the. I've done a lot of hosting content on my channel, but right now I'm doing a homemaking by heart series where we're trying to get on top of our homes and create sanity, safety and simplicity without the sacrifice. And so once you can get on top of your home and have. Basically I'm showing my systems and routines for how I don't spend a ton of time in the kitchen or lots. Like I basically sort my laundry with my eyes closed. We'll go through that. Like, just a lot of different little things that I've learned. I'm kind of in this interesting point in my homemaking journey. I've done it for eight years. Eight years as a mom. I've done it for 12 years since I had my first home. You know, so I've learned some things, but I'm definitely not an expert. So I feel like I'm right there in the trenches with my listeners. But also I've learned a thing or two. And. And I've learned some things the hard way. So if I can help other people to not do that or just give them little breakthroughs so that they can minimize their housekeeping time, I think so often we can make homemaking take up our entire day. And it does not have to now if we want to. I think we should. It's wonderful if we have that freedom that we can just spend all day toying around with a new recipe or whatever. But when you truly have that option to reupholster a chair or toy with a new recipe or whatever, that's. That's true riches right there. And there's a lot of moms in my stage of life or a little younger that are just not there at all. We're taking our whole day just to get the functions of the home completed. And so that's what I'm trying to work on so that we have time to think about hosting. Right. And to have people over.
- [66:11]
Co-host
Yeah. Create that margin. Like you said, it comes out of abundance. Not just. Not like an abundance of money, but an abundance of time, mental space. And that's what you're creating through that series. That makes a lot of sense. We will leave that linked in the description box below. That's. That's on your main channel, Megan Fox Unlocked.
- [66:27]
Megan Fox
Correct.
- [66:27]
Co-host
I know you also have your Honey I'm Homemaker podcast that's on your. All on the same channel, just under the podcast tab. Or is it a separate channel?
- [66:35]
Megan Fox
Okay, so you can find me at Megan fox Unlocked on YouTube. And then I also have a podcast channel on YouTube as well called Honey I'm Homemaker. That's with my cousin Jaina, so you can search that. And then I also. You can find me on meganfoxunlock.com I sell a lot of handmade products. I have free recipes there. Right now, our biggest seller, we have a very popular planner that people love, people that want just basically a very simple not guilty. Like, I think these are 17, 18 bucks. Like, you can spill coffee on them and you won't have to have any guilt afterwards. They're really beautiful. They're not dated, so you can use them halfway through. You know, if you. If you fall off the bandwagon or whatever, it's fine. Just pick it up when you do. And some weeks you might not need a planner, you know, and then the next week you do again. So. Right. These are great. There's places for brain dumps and things like that.
- [67:20]
Lisa
That.
- [67:20]
Megan Fox
And then it's just like time blocking. You could make the blocks, whatever you want. I didn't label them or anything like that. We sell a lot of these because they're so good for A, type B, want to be type A person, you know, workbook. We don't need all the little fill and how much water you drank and write an affirmation for the day and all that.
- [67:37]
Co-host
No, no, no.
- [67:38]
Megan Fox
We just want a place where we know where our sticky note is or our to do list is. It's in the B. You know, it's in our bound planner. And yeah, right now, Josh is shipping out a lot, a lot of planners at the moment. So if you want one, you know they're undated, so you can get one on randomly on March 3rd if you want. Whatever.
- [67:55]
Co-host
Awesome. Well, we will leave links down below to all of that. As always, it's great chatting with you. I wish we could catch up more often, but it's great chatting with you. I don't remember the last time you're on, but thank you so much for joining us.
- [68:07]
Megan Fox
Yeah, it was a great time talking. Go host, people. Go host.
- [68:11]
Co-host
Go host.
- [68:14]
Lisa
Thanks as always for listening to the simple farmhouse life podcast. My husband Luke and I and our kids work together side by side on our farm in Missouri and use our blog, podcast and YouTube channel to reach other homemakers, home cooks and homesteaders with practical recipes and daily family life. For everyday sourdough recipes, make sure to check out our blog farmhouse on Boone.com and to dig deeper, we do also offer a course course called Simple Sourdough over at Bit Ly Farmhouses. All one word. We also teach people how to ferment vegetables and mill their own grains through our courses, Fresh Ferments and Freshly Milled Grains. We will leave links for all of that down in the show notes below.
- [69:04]
Megan Fox
Sam.