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Snap! Crackle! Pop!We're serving up the best of the 80s/90s on a silver platter, just like Mr. Belvedere! We go from The Wonder Years to Nickelodeon and everything in between in TV land (but why were there so many puppets?). Elizabeth and Stephanie almost end their friendship over whether or not Swan's Crossing was a thing, and Elizabeth finally defines her very specific qualifications for "dirty men."  Which side are you on? Dirty bad boy or preppy class president? It's such a conMOMdrum!In our #SUPERDOMESTIC moments this week, Stephanie presents an updated oatmeal cream pie (although we bet the shelf life of those suckers in the 90s means they're still good), and Elizabeth explains how her past job history made her the modern domestic woman that she is today.So slow your roll...fruit rollup, that is.... pop your TV dinner in the microwave, and let's travel back in time to an era where Clarissa explained everything and visions of Pacey (or maybe Dawson) danced in your head.Recipe Box:Oatmeal Cream Pies: https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/homemade-oatmeal-cream-pies/  Pineapple Upside Down Cake:  https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/pineapple-upside-down-cake-recipe-2112020 See you next time-- down at Fraggle Rock! (CLAP CLAP!)

Take a stroll with us..... down a very long, ACID WASHED road, when Mariah reigned supreme and you had to grab that phone before the answering machine picked up-- STOP LISTENING IN ON MY PHONE CALLS!We talk about the epic ballads of the 90s, boy band mania, and the fashion.... oh, the fashion. And then, things get really serious when we prank call Stephanie's sister so that she will STOP flirting with Elizabeth's boyfriend.So throw on your jelly shoes, grab your stirrup pants, and don't forget your CK ONE.... but don't bring that stupid Tamagotchi, because we're going to Pizza Hut! No seriously, let's go. You can go on your aol chat rooms later. Self-Care Suggestion Box: Create an 80s/90s playlist on Spotify and jam out with your bad self. Seriously, give it a try.Go watch your teenage heart throb on that show or movie... see if it gives you all the feels. OR.... look up that old crush on Facebook. And TELL US ABOUT IT. 

Families on the Fox is YOUR GUIDE for things to do and places to go in the west and far west suburbs of Chicago. What is Chrissy's favorite part of working with local business owners? What are the "Foxy Mamas" and what do they do? How does Families on the Fox give back to the community? And, most importantly, WHAT is Chrissy's drunk jam?We get into all the good stuff while sipping some Malbec with Chrissy and talking about how her ideas became reality as well as an essential resource for our community. Wine of the Week: J OPI Malbec, 2019Local Self-Care Suggestion Box: Stephanie- Wander around a local independent bookstore (like Harvey's Tales, Geneva), or any other small, local shop that aligns with your interests. Take a minute to meet the owners and ask questions. You could find a home away from home  in your own community.Elizabeth- Try going to bed early, just one day a week! Give it a whirl! Listen to a guided meditation and allow yourself to truly relax before falling asleep. Use some local lovely self-care aids, such as lotion from Cocoon, Geneva.Chrissy- Try a sauna! Or, even better, have you tried infrared sauna? A local health/beauty oasis like Sage Healing Collective in St. Charles could be just the key to have you feeling more relaxed and refreshed, in less than 30 minutes! Guide to everything local: www.familiesonthefox.com  Instagram/Twitter: @mdmthepodEmail: moderndomesticmompodcast@gmail.com 

It's Ask the Expert time, and we've got a good one here! Warning: MUST LOVE DOGS! We bribe Dr. Em with wine and discuss all the details of dog ownership and families. What's the best breed for your kids? Is there any truth to the reputation of a bully breed? How can you choose a rescue dog that fits your family?Ready to add a pet to your family? After you've done Dr. Em's #1 tip, DO YOUR RESEARCH, consider these resources for help:American Kennel Club:  www.akc.org  Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets Petfinder to find rescue dogs and specific breeds in your area: www.petfinder.com Animal House Shelter, Huntley: animalhouseshelter.com  Karuna Rescue, China (rescues of the meat trade and street): www.karunarescue.com   (Thinking of a house bunny? Check this one out!) House Rabbit Society  www.rabbit.org ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (consult fee applies): 888-426-4435 Wine We're Sipping: Imagery Pinot Noir, Imagery Estate WinerySelf-Care Suggestion Box:Visit a local farm! If local, pet the baby goats and visit the market at Rustic Road Farm, Elburn https://rusticroadfarm.com/ Get outside, even in cold temperatures, at least for a walk.Find your #momcrate and watch something odd and delightful, just for yourself, on Netflix. Instagram/Twitter: @mdmthepodEmail: moderndomesticmompodcast@gmail.com  BONUS ADD NOT ON THE POD: Stephanie's #superdomestic insight: HAMSTER VS. GERBILIf you're considering a "pocket pet," there are some key differences to know here! First of all, gerbils are the ones with a tail! They're also more social and typically, more friendly. They love to interact with people and have no problem being handled by your kiddo! However, because they are so social (unlike hamsters, many of which can be territorial), your gerbil might want a gerbil friend. Also, they will want to be in a main part of your house to be part of the action! And psssttt to moms-- gerbils are not solely nocturnal so they WON'T keep you up at night (a hamster will, squeaking on that wheel!), and they were desert animals so guess what? Less pee-pee! Now if your heart is set on that hamster, Syrian is considered to be a more friendly type. Remember you'll need to keep the cage clean and let it exercise safely.

PRO DOULA TIPS:Accept help-- and be specific about what you need!Consistency is key with any new tactic.Pay close attention to the baby's sleep cues.Establish a sleep routine as soon as you can, and keep to it.Figure out what works best for you, and go with it.Trust your instincts.Support is amazing!Nothing works all of the time, for every baby.Expert: Sara Kahlenberg @sara_the_postpartum_doula on Instagram and FacebookWine of the Week: Shimmin Rock Cabernet Sauvignon, Broken Earth WinerySelf-Care Suggestion Box for new moms: Tell people how to help you. Don't be afraid to ask for little things! Walk away when you can to give your brain and body a break. Don't underestimate the power of hot coffee  and hot showers.Recipe Box: Chicken Salad from www.anediblemosaic.com and Stuffed Shells from William Sonoma Cookbook  

Thanks for sending in your "conMOMdrums" this week! Please send in others that come to mind as you listen to the episode.Feature Wine of the Week: SloDown Wines, Sexual Chocolate Red Blend and Broken Dreams Chardonnay. For your viewing pleasure: https://www.slodownwines.com/pages/our-storySelf-Care Suggestion Box: Decorate for Valentine's Day with some cute kid crafts, and engage in positive self-talk (Say two nice things about yourself this week!)Recipe Box: Steph's "award-winning" kickin' chicken chili: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/spicy-chicken-chili Elizabeth's "meaty yet meatless" portobello mushroom bowl: https://www.mdwcares.com/post/meaty-yet-meatless-comfort-food-portobello-mushroom-cauliflower-and-parsnip-bowl Check out @mdmthepod on instagram for pictures from the episode and more fun stuff. Come sip with us again! 

#mdmthepod on Instagram and Twitter for episode pictures and community fun!

We encourage you to "let mama be mama!" Steph's ideas: Join a club (book club, running club), volunteer for something you love, rescue a pet (or five), do something you always wanted to do but never did (such as learning an instrument), and multi-task with kids (plug into podcasts during your day)Elizabeth's ideas: Read before bed, subscribe to magazines on your favorite topics (Midwest Living!), become a plant mom, nap (yes! nap!), watch shows with your kids (baking shows are fun!), garden, and again, MORE PODCASTS!Our list of pods to try:Reality Life with Kate Casey, Signs from the Other Side with Fern Ronay, Equip and Empower with Christine Caine, Sweaty and Pissed with Leanne Morgan, Alive & Kicking: Stories of Walking Up with Kay Eck, You Are Not Alone with Spiritual Medium Erika GabrielWine of the week: @nprwineclub , Listen First Pinot NoirSelf-Care Suggestion Box: Order out (Steph), find a favorite recipe to cook with your partner after hours (Elizabeth)Recipe Box: Eggplant Parmesan from Food Network https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/eggplant-parmesan-recipe-2008982 Sugar Cookies from Katrina's Kitchen https://www.inkatrinaskitchen.com/best-sugar-cookie-recipe-ever/ What does "let mama be mama" mean for you? What makes you happy? Share with us on social! @mdmthepod on Instagram and Twitter. Come sip with us again! 

Let's dive into Mommy Milestones! PregnancyThe Blur of InfancyToddler CrazePre-K, K (Sending Them Off!)Elementary EraMiddle School DramaticsHigh School IgnoranceWine: Maquis Cab FrancSelf-care Suggestion Box: Take an epsom salt bath, give yourself a breakRecipe Box: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/252492/slow-cooker-vegetarian-lasagna/ Scones: https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/quickbreads/chocolate-chip-scones/ Join in on the conversation!@MDMthePod on instagram & twitter

Let's move beyond those kids shows on repeat on your kids' Netflix, ladies! It's time to discuss what WE love to watch. We have all kinds of crazy suggestions for you! Here they are, organized by category (with channel or streaming service listed).Fast 6 : Derry Girls (Netflix), Great British Baking Show (Netflix), Raised by Wolves (HBO Max), Falling for a Killer (Amazon Prime), Below Deck (Bravo), The Bachelor (ABC)Favorite Reality Competition Show: Alone (History Channel), The Challenge (MTV)Favorite Binge: Cheer (Netflix), Schitts Creek (Netflix)Off-the-Wall, "odd" suggestion: Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb (Netflix), What We Do in the Shadows (Amazon Prime)Crazy Fun Show: The Masked Singer (Fox), Veronica Mars (Hulu)Bonus (You Have to Watch This One Now): Scientology & The Aftermath (A&E), The Vow (HBO Max)Wine: Root: 1 CarmenereSelf-Care Suggestion Box: Eat intuitively and ditch the self-loathingRecipe Box: Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/slow-cooker-chicken-stroganoff-5536626Wild Rice Soup https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/soups/wild-rice-and-chicken-soup/  Come sip with us!Join the conversation on social! @mdmthepod on Twitter and Instagram