Smith & Steward

A home that seeks to build up the character and intellect of those who dwell there will naturally be a home filled with books. In this episode, Ellie explores the reasons why it's important to have a library, plus a handful of tips on how to increase both the frequency and quality of your reading habit. Mentioned in this episode: Bright Hearth episode " On the Multiplication of Books &quo...

If you're a homemaker, then you should also consider yourself to be an artist! Homemaking is an art form that involves a lot of creative decision-making and problem solving in order to transform your house into a home! This week, artist Elizabeth Langston—host of the Able to Bloom podcast and founder of Elizabeth Langston Art—shares some encouragement and practical tips with each of us when it...

After discovering the benefits in her own personal life and marriage that came from embracing her feminine identity and role, Ellie was eager to encourage other women to do the same. But what does femininity truly look like? Instead of basing this image on cultural trends and traditions, this episode dives into Scripture—Proverbs 31 in particular—to discover what God says about femininity. Steward...

As we prepare to celebrate the women who raised us on Mother's Day, Ellie sits down for a conversation with her own mom about the joys and trials of motherhood. Whether you're a young mother, an experienced matriarch, or someone who dreams of that bond in the future, we hope this episode encourages you in your role. Follow us on Instagram @smithandsteward Send Ellie an email at smithandste...

Whether you've been hit with a bout of sudden sickness (like Ellie was recently), are struggling with depression, or have been enduring another long-term hurt, sometimes there are seasons when homemaking is just harder. In this episode, find encouragement and hope that life does not have to always be perfect, but also discover practical tips for getting through the hard seasons and then discov...

Today, Ellie is joined by guest Jill McSheehy of The Beginner's Garden for a discussion of all things green and growing. Jill shares simple, practical tips for getting started in the garden for those of us who are brand new to the endeavor, drawing from her years of experience stewarding her own plot of land. We also talk about the benefits that gardening has on one's mental and physical h...

As Easter Sunday approaches, Ellie daydreams about her own plans for the holiday, both this year and in the future. Nostalgia for the past and an appreciation for tradition color today's discussion, which centers around the reason we celebrate rebirth and hope this time of year: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mentioned in this episode: Resurrection Eggs from Christianbook.com Steward Sparke...

Don't let spring cleaning stress you out. Ellie shares her thoughts as she approaches her very first spring cleaning session, including tips and inspiration for streamlining your seasonal cleaning routine. Resources mentioned: Smith & Steward episode 4 " Creating a Cleaning Rhythm " Kallie Branciforte of But First, Coffee on YouTube The Fly Lady Additional checklist resources: The Fly Lady fre...

Shelby Lancaster of @simplehomemakermeals joins Ellie today for a discussion of how to make mealtime easier, while still being both delicious and nutritious. Resources mentioned in this episode : Nourishing Traditions cookbook Danielle from @jonesroots "bake the bad bread" recipe box from Hobby Lobby Learn more about Shelby : @simplehomemakermeals on Instagram Back to Homemaking Collective Follow...

In this episode, Ellie shares her thoughts on the big picture: the motivation for your homemaking. Your purpose. The meaning behind what you do. The answer is found when we dive into the concept of biblical stewardship and caring for something that does not, in fact, belong to us in the end. Referenced in this episode: Psalm 24:1–2 1 Chronicles 29:11–12 Matthew 25:14–30 @ itskellydiane on Instagra...

This week, Ellie is joined by guest Emma Wells, a biblical marriage coach with a strong Instagram presence where she shares practical, simple advice for deepening your connection and strengthening communication with your spouse. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Ellie and Emma sit down to talk about what it looks like to have a home where romance is alive, no matter where our starting p...

Habits are one of the simplest and most powerful tools we can use to achieve our goals... and yet they can seem so impossible to put into place. Breaking bad habits, forming good ones, creating and sticking to routines—all of it boils down to consistency. In this episode, Ellie talks about the importance of habits, her current struggles and aspirations regarding them, and several practical tips yo...

Have big dreams for 2023? Not sure where to start, since new year's resolutions don't seem to work for you? In this episode, I share the process I went through in setting my goals for this year: from doing self-reflection on "the woman I want to be" to getting specific with the habits I will need to form in order to be successful in achieving those dreams. Join me in looking forward to a wonderful...

In this bonus episode, we chat about all things Christmas. Remind yourself what the season is all about, find inspiration for enjoying the simple moments with intentionality and spend time with those you love most. Merry Christmas, dear homemakers! And happy New Year! P.S. Stay tuned at the end of this episode for a sneak peek and announcement about Season 2 of the Smith & Steward podcast! Men...

Settle in for a cozy and casual chat about all things Thanksgiving. As I prepare to host this autumn holiday for the very first time, I realize there is so much to do—all of which I talk through in this episode. But more importantly, we'll chat about the heart of this gathering: gratitude and family. Let that be your focus as you enter into this Thanksgiving, fellow homemakers! Referenced in this...

Have you ever felt burnout? Many of us have, but it’s so often talked about in strictly a professional/career context. In this episode, Ellie shares her own struggles of facing burnout as a homemaker, where it’s not possible to clock out or take a day off in the same way that we can with work outside the home. Listen in for a healing perspective and hopeful thoughts, as well as five practical tips...

In the busyness of life, it can be easy to let sweet moments pass us by, being too consumed by the chaos to create and enjoy them. In today's episode, Ellie reminds us how important it is to take a few minutes, breathe deeply, and appreciate life. And we'll do that through the beautiful ritual of taking tea.  Whether you're a regular tea connoisseur or someone who has no clue how to even make...

Ellie is currently working on plans for her very first full-size vegetable garden in the spring! Join me in all the preparations and thoughfulness that will go into this labor of love, and look forward to the green and growing days ahead. Referenced in this episode: Naynay's lended book— The Essential Gardening Encyclopedia Sun Calc— suncalc.org Find your hardiness zone— USDA.gov Some sprinklers I...

For us homebody homemakers who don't often have to leave the house, it can be easy sometimes to want to relax in leggings or pajamas. But getting dressed and ready for the day has a big impact! It will affect our own mental health, reminding us of our value, it will show examples of love and beauty to our family, and it will send a message to the outside world that may pass us in the grocery store...

Getting food on the table is one of the most important things we do as homemakers—after all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, as they say. Yet it's so easy to be overwhelmed when we get there, looking at the thousands of recipe options available at our fingertips or the daunting task of making something that is healthy and nutritious, while also being cost-efficient and timely. Don't let the...

Being a homemaker is a full-time job. But many of us also work full-time outside of that role, and juggling both those things, as well as any other roles we have (such as wife, mother, and more) can feel overwhelming. Finding balance between it all, especially for those of us who do this extra job from the confines of our own home, can be difficult. This episode addresses how we can juggle our var...

Understanding hospitality is the key to being a good hostess. It's not about having "the mostess" or putting on a spectacular event, but rather about seeking to care for and to nourish the hearts of those who come into your home. This episode explores the state a homemaker's heart should be when hosting guests, and then offers five practical tips for easy and impactful hospitality. Quoted in this...

If you have difficulty tackling those cleaning tasks and often feel overwhelmed by a messy home, Mrs. Smith is here to help. With a focus on creating rhythm and routine to take the guess work out of chores, we discuss three helpful methods in today's episode, each focusing on a slightly different type of cleaning: getting to a basic level of clean, maintaining that clean from week to week, and get...

"The reason to make your home pleasing to the eye is because it is nurturing to the soul." This week on the Smith & Steward podcast, we explore the topic of interior design: enjoying the creativity of this dreamy subject, getting a peek into what Mrs. Smith has learned throughout her decorating journey, and discovering the purpose of this artistic task. A curated home is a work of art that ins...

A time management, task organization, or planner system may not seem like a homemaking subject. However, Mrs. Smith is convinced that getting this system down is a hugely important part of the homemaker's life. This episode will prepare you to tackle everyday tasks with efficiency and confidence, making room for you to create lovely moments for yourself and your family.  The planner I use: Mo...