Simply at the Table: Celebrating One Year of Community and Growth Welcome to Simply at the Table, a podcast where we, a mother-daughter trio, gather to explore the intricacies of homemaking and the essence of building a lasting home. As we approach our first anniversary as a business this July, we reflect on our journey and share insights about our experiences and growth over the past year. In this episode, we want to reintroduce ourselves for our new listeners. We are Leisha (the mom), Belle (the oldest sister), and Kathryn (the youngest sister). Each of us brings a unique perspective to our conversations, shaped by our individual journeys and passions.  As the matriarch, Leisha spent years cultivating a nurturing home environment, balancing creativity with organization. Her blog, Lockrem Homestead, shares from-scratch recipes and practical homemaking tips, reflecting her love for cooking and the creative aspects of homemaking. Belle is the oldest of the siblings, and is navigating the joys of marriage and the challenges of establishing a home with her husband. She enjoy storytelling and often share experiences from her life, connecting them to the podcast discussions about homemaking. Kathryn is the youngest of the three women, and is exploring her passion for adventure and creativity through art and music. Currently she is pursuing a career in aviation, which adds another layer to the discussions about dreams and aspirations. As  the team celebrates their first year, they want to share some behind-the-scenes insights into what it has been like to run a podcast and a business together as a family. This past year has been filled with personal growth, learning experiences, and a lot of laughter and tears.  They’ve navigated significant life events, including marriages, graduations, and personal milestones that have shaped our conversations. Each episode has been a platform for the women to share their thoughts, learn from one another, and connect with their growing audience. Building Community: The Importance of SharingOne of the core values of our podcast is the belief in community and the power of sharing experiences. We encourage our listeners to engage with us by sharing the podcast with friends, providing feedback, and connecting through our website and social media. Your support helps us grow and reach more people who are interested in cultivating a meaningful home. Celebrating Milestones: What’s Next?Looking forward, we’re excited to continue this journey and explore new topics that resonate with our listeners. Our goal is to foster a space where families can come together, share stories, and learn from one another. As we embark on another year, we invite you to join us around the table. Let’s continue to build a community that cherishes the beauty of homemaking and the importance of family connections. Community Matters! Your support in sharing our podcast helps us grow and connect with more people. We are grateful for each listener and look forward to another year of conversations, insights, and community building. Thank you for being part of our journey! To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Visit Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life for more in-depth articles on homemaking and family life.  For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE  Simply at the Table is a podcast hosted by a mother-daughter team discussing homemaking and family life, sharing insights and experiences to inspire others.We cover a variety of topics related to homemaking, family dynamics, and personal growth, always aiming to provide value to our listeners.

In this episode, the mother-daughter team dives into the challenge of maintaining focus and patience amidst the distractions of modern life, sharing personal stories, reflections on seasonal detoxes, and practical insights on cultivating mental clarity. The importance of developing attention span and patience in daily life Personal stories illustrating perseverance through unexpected challenges  Reflections on seasonal technology fasts and their impact on focus The role of trials and waiting periods in spiritual and mental growth Strategies for restoring mental clarity and resilience in a distracted culture To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE    00:00 - Welcome and overview of the episode's focus on attention spans and detoxing from culture00:28 - Introduction to the hosts and their background in homemaking and family life01:21 - Sharing highs and lows of the week, including a hot tub story illustrating patience and perseverance02:48 - The challenge with ordering and handling the hot tub cover; lessons in patience and resilience10:24 - Celebrating upcoming personal milestones and sharing exciting projects like a farm stand and musical endeavors12:46 - Discussing the importance of moving forward despite fears and setbacks13:12 - The impact of full-time work and physical exertion on energy levels and attention14:41 - Recognizing the need for rest and restoration amid busy life schedules15:36 - The cultural challenge of balancing hobbies and stress, and avoiding burnout22:55 - Reflecting on patience, waiting, and trusting God's timing during times of trial23:49 - How recent weeks have affected their mental focus and attention spans24:25 - Personal insights on mental clarity following a caffeine detox25:50 - Nostalgia for seasonal technology fasts and the importance of resetting attention27:19 - Closing thoughts on the significance of seasons for cultivating patience and attention   speaker-0 (00:00)Have you seen this it was like an experiment where and I know I will botch all the details, but you'll get you'll get the concept. I'm kind of a big picture gal. ⁓ they put all of these people in a room and across the table they put their cell phones on there and they said, sit here for an hour and if you can sit here for an hour or whatever designated amount of time Without touching your phone, we will pay you X amount of dollars, right? And there was like a handful of people, right? And they purposely left their phones on so they could hear it and they messaged it so you they were hearing this ping ping ping or whatever and the amount of people that could resist going to check on their phone for that hour I think over half of failed. It was a high percentage where they couldn't just let it be. speaker-1 (01:12)Good morning everybody and welcome to Simply at the Table. We are a mother-daughter team gathering around our childhood table to talk about the how and why of homemaking for all of those who hope that the home they are cultivating is both lasting and worthwhile. If you have joined us before and have been impacted by what we share in any way, we encourage you to engage or share likewise. Follow us, rate the show, leave a message on our website, or join our sub stack, The Simple Life, for weekly reflections and other articles on topics that we discuss here, but also just other topics that we can expand on with greater time outside of the podcast as well. All of these different areas are great things to also invite other people into. There's plenty of room here at the table and we would love for more people to to join us. We also encourage you to visit Lockrem Homestead, Leisha's blog and our podcast sponsor, for articles on sourdough preservation and fr

In this episode of Simply at the Table, the mother-daughter trio, Leisha, Belle, and Kathryn, explore the importance of hobbies as a source of relaxation, joy, and personal growth. Through heartfelt stories and thoughtful conversation, they reflect on how hobbies enrich our lives when pursued simply for pleasure rather than productivity. From attending a homestead festival to sharing lychees with strangers, the homemakers highlight the beauty of everyday moments and the fulfillment found in activities that bring genuine delight. They discuss the tendency to monetize hobbies and challenge the idea that everything we do must be productive or profitable. Together, they examine the balance between work, rest, and recreation, emphasizing the value of making space for pursuits that replenish our spirits. The episode encourages listeners to reconnect with hobbies they may have set aside and to embrace activities that foster joy, well-being, and meaningful connections with others.   To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

Embracing the Summer Reset In this episode of Simply at the Table, the mother-daughter team explores the joys and challenges of seasonal eating, homemaking, and intentional living during the summer. They share personal stories, practical tips, and reflections on how to embrace the season's abundance and cultivate a meaningful home. The significance of seasonal eating and how to align food choices with nature's rhythms Practical tips for gardening, harvesting herbs, and repurposing seasonal ingredients The importance of effort and habit formation in creating a beautiful, nourishing home Insights into cultural and generational differences in food attitudes and trends How to reset habits, focus on health, and intentionally curate your environment during summer To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

In this episode, a mother-daughter team, along with guest Lexi, reflect on how to navigate summer's unique rhythm—embracing growth and cultivating purpose amid seasonal changes. They offer insights on entering summer with intentionality, appreciating the beauty in life's transitions, and trusting God in every season, even if what's before you in unexpected. Understanding the seasonal metaphors of spring, summer, fall, and winter and their implications for personal growth Practicing intentionality during summer and setting realistic expectations with your kids Embracing grief and loss as part of life’s seasons and trusting God through pain The importance of planting seeds—metaphorically and literally—for future harvests Avoiding comparison and cultivating contentment with the season you're in Recognizing the quiet beauty and sacred moments in God’s creation and daily life To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

Join this mother-daughter team for a fun, lighthearted conversation of catching up around the table, creating a meaningful seasonal bucket list, slowing down, and making intentional family memories before the back-to-school rush. We’re talking summer rhythms, homemaking inspiration, simple living, family traditions, pantry stocking, outdoor adventures, rest, and learning how to balance responsibility with fun. From farmers markets and beach days to skill-building, hospitality, and saying no to FOMO, this episode is filled with encouragement for moms and homemakers who want to cultivate a peaceful home and enjoy the beauty of summer living. This cozy summer homemaking conversation is perfect for listeners who love homemaking, intentional motherhood, slow living, family culture, and seasonal planning podcasts.   To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

In this episode, the mother-daughter team explores the quiet beauty and hidden weight of gathering people well. Hospitality often looks effortless from the outside, but beneath every welcoming home is unseen labor, emotional energy, and intentional sacrifice. The hosts reflect on the tension between wanting community and needing boundaries — learning that loving people well doesn’t require becoming everything to everyone. They discuss the emotional complexity of hosting: navigating who to invite, how to be discreet without being deceptive, and the subtle insecurities that surface around belonging and exclusion. The conversation touches on the shift from FOMO to ROMO — learning to find peace and joy in saying no, staying home, and honoring personal limitations. A recurring theme is the unseen work that shapes both a home and a person. From homeschooling and motherhood to writing and daily routines, much of life’s most meaningful labor goes unnoticed. Like cathedral builders who never see the finished structure, many of the most important efforts are long, hidden acts of faithfulness. The visible beauty people admire is often built on foundations no one sees. The hosts also reflect on how action itself forms us. Writing clarifies thinking. Toiling produces fruit, but more importantly, it shapes the soul along the way. In the same way, hosting changes a person — cultivating empathy, awareness, flexibility, and appreciation for what others quietly carry. Books and imagination become another thread of discussion, with reflections on the Narnia and Dune series and how reading exercises a different kind of attentiveness than watching films. Reading requires focus, discipline, and imagination; it invites deeper engagement rather than passive consumption. Throughout the episode, there is a strong emphasis on knowing yourself and honoring your season of life. Some seasons allow for abundant hospitality; others require pulling back. A messy house, limited energy, a bathroom remodel, illness in the family, or emotional depletion are all valid reasons to simplify expectations. The conversation emphasizes that boundaries are not failures — they are often what make genuine hospitality sustainable. The hosts speak candidly about insecurity and overgiving, especially the tendency to give excessively because receiving feels uncomfortable. They remind listeners that generosity is healthiest when it flows from joy rather than deficit. Community is not built through performance or perfection, but through presence, honesty, and consistency. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to pursue community in simple, attainable ways. Hospitality is not reserved for naturally bubbly personalities or perfectly curated homes. It can begin with little more than a willing heart, a cup of water, and the courage to open the door. Start small. Try, fail, adjust, laugh, and learn along the way. At the heart of the conversation is a gentle reminder: building community is worthwhile, but so is caring for the home and people entrusted to you first. Rest when you are overextended. Pull back when needed. Press in when you have the capacity. The goal is not perfection, but faithful presence — creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and loved.   To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

In this episode, a mother-daughter duo explores the multifaceted concept of community, from familial bonds to casual interactions, and shares practical tips on how to intentionally cultivate meaningful relationships throughout different life stages. The importance of intentional community building, regardless of circumstances Different layers of relationships: from close inner circle to casual acquaintances The role of effort, consistency, and vulnerability in fostering community Biblical foundation of community as seen in Acts 2 and its application today Practical strategies for finding and nurturing community in everyday life In this episode: The significance and definition of community, including the "bullseye" model of relationships How external factors often unify groups temporarily and the importance of intentionality afterward Cultivating community at home with family, through friendship, or in broader networks The challenge of building community as life circumstances evolve and how to overcome it The impact of consistency, mutual effort, and vulnerability in creating a sense of belonging Suggestions for where to find like-minded communities, such as church groups, libraries, and shared interest fields The importance of patience, courage, and grace when seeking or developing community relationships   To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

In this episode, join us, a mother-daughter team, explore the heart of intentional hospitality and how gathering others into your home can transform your space into one of peace, warmth, and connection. Whether you’re hosting a casual summer meal, a sourdough baking day, or a cozy evening with friends, this conversation will encourage you to embrace authentic, from-scratch living and create a welcoming home—without pressure or perfection. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by hosting or unsure where to start, this episode offers practical homemaking tips and heartfelt encouragement to help you open your doors with confidence and joy.   To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

Our first Q & A! Join us around the table as we reflect on the joys and challenges of homemaking, managing trouble spots in the home, adjusting to new seasons of life, and establishing healthy boundaries with adult children. This episode offers practical advice and personal stories that resonate with anyone seeking to cultivate a lasting, meaningful home life.   To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com  Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE