the raw and the cooked
dara boxer is a stay at home mom to four kids six and under, and very committed to living a simple, well-organized, and efficiently run life - mainly for her sanity. once upon a time she used to be a personal chef / cooking instructor, so she takes meal prep and grocery lists very seriously. episodes are released thursdays, and alternate between book reviews and practical tips for stay at home moms, such as: creating a laundry rhythm, keeping the house tidy, a toy-rotation, storing all the kids clothes, quiet time, everything food related, like do-able seasonal meal planning, and kids...
#171: Book Club | God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This week, we're diving into God of the Woods, a gripping literary mystery set in the Adirondacks. With shifting timelines, vivid imagery, and rich character work, Liz Moore weaves a haunting story of family secrets and long-buried truths. Stay tuned through the end for a spoiler segment and one big lingering question.
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#170: Why âWhatâs for Dinner?â Is the Most Annoying Question Ever (And What to Do About It)
If you flinch every time someone asks âWhatâs for dinner?ââyouâre not alone. In this episode, we unpack why that one simple question feels so loaded, especially for moms juggling the mental load. I share real talk on meal planning stress, emotional exhaustion, and why the timing of that question makes it feel like a personal attack. Plus, I offer practical tips (and a little humor) to make dinner planning just a little easier.
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#169: The Power of the Monthly Note
Iâve really noticed a difference in how much less overwhelmed I feel. The best part? Iâm not trying to keep everything in my head anymore. If youâre anything like me, that mental load can get heavy. But having this simple, month-by-month reference has made it so much easier to keep everything on track.
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#168: Navigating Pregnancy and Childbirth in the American Medical System
Baby #1 Birth Story â Episode #41Baby #2 Birth Story â Episode #42Baby #3 Birth Story â Episode #92Baby #4 Birth Story â Episode #146
Practical Resources:
The Mama Natural by Genevieve HowlandIna Mya's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May GaskinPro Tips:Â
Ask for Natera's self-pay option - $250Fresh Test for alternative glucose screenings (non-GMO, gluten free, artificial flavoring free, dye free, BPA free and preservative free)Send us a text
#167: Five Overrated Reads
Five Overrated Books I've Read Recently:Â
A Novel Love Story by Ashley PostonThe Husbands by Holly GramazioThe Middle of the Night by Riley SagerThe Perfect Marriage by Jeneva RoseWe Used to Live Here by Marcus KliewerPS. The new to us childrenâs book we loved: Truman by Jean Reidy
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#166: SAHM of 4's Rhythm for a New Month, a New Week, and a New Day
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#165: Getting Your Kids Outside This Spring
Outdoor Spring Activities with Kids
Nature Walks: Around the neighborhood, a new to you trail, or parkStaring a Simple GardeningPicnics, try one in your own backyard! Exploring New-to-You Playgrounds / Parks / Trails Biking + Walking + Scootering around the neighborhoodOutdoor Art Projects (using chalk, grass, flowers, rocks, & sticks)Bird Watching -- so fun!Send us a text
#164: Book Club | All The Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
So much to love with this novel, however the ending was terrible that made so little sense.Â
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#163: Finding Mindfulness in Motherhood this Spring
Mindfulness Practices Motherhood This Spring:
Evening cup of teaDaily gratitude journalingMoment of mindfulness in the morningsPhone-free time challengeMindful listeningÂSend us a text
#162: Impulse Spending | The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
I tracked all my 20204 impulse purchases on Amazon and Target. Here are the things I loved, and worked out super well, in addition to all the things I deeply regret.Â
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