Home Cooked Stories – Details, episodes & analysis

Tips to Help Parents Focus Less on Perfect Lunches and More on Happy Kids

I don't recall my parents putting a whole lot of thought or effort into making my school lunch each day - a sandwich, chips, maybe a fruit, perhaps a sweet treat, and a Capri Sun (or Sunny D). Yet, I think there's a lot more pressure for today's parents wrapped up in providing school lunch. Is it nutritious? Is it environmentally friendly? Will my kids even eat it? How can I create more variety? If packing school lunch has you stressed or feeling uninspired, then tune into today's episode. My guest, Meghan Splawn, is here to help us shift our mindset and make mornings easier. Instead of obsessing over the perfect bento box or Pinterest-worthy ideas, we'll talk about how to let go of perfection and focus on what really matters - that your kids are fed and have enough fuel to get through their day.

In this episode, we'll explore why your mindset for school lunch is just as important as what you pack. You'll hear practical, stress-free lunch strategies to save time, reduce pressure, and even bring a little joy back to your morning routines.

What You'll Learn In This Episode: 

• How a school lunch mindset can make mornings and meal prep more enjoyable
• Stress-free lunch tips for busy parents
• Lunch ideas and meal packing tips that work all week
• Why "good-enough" lunches are a job well done

Whether you're a parent who loves planning meals or someone who throws sandwiches together five minutes before it's time to go to school, this episode will give you a fresh perspective - and permission to make lunch packing easier on yourself. 

Links and Resources:

Connect with me on Instagram: @juliathehomecook
Send me an email: julia@homecookedstories.com

Connect with my guest Meghan Splawn
Instagram: @meghan_splawn
Substack: Stir and Scribble and Meghan's Recent Post on School Lunch
Didn't I Just Feed You (podcast)

The sandwich cutter and sealer I use (for crustless sandwiches)

The air fryer Meghan recommends is no longer being made, but this one is very similar and well reviewed.

If these school lunch tips for parents helped you, share this episode with a friend and subscribe for more conversations like this! 

Whether you love the feeling of picking out ripe tomatoes or just want to feel more connected to your food, this episode’s for you! I’m talking with Courtney Spear, market manager for the Davidson Farmers Market in NC and owner of the catering company Courtney Cooks. I loved this conversation with her! Together, we’re uncovering the deep sense of community the farmers market creates. 

These delectable spaces are so much more than just places to buy groceries—they’re where local food and meaningful relationships come together. 

Since the pandemic, the Davidson Farmers Market has seen real market growth, with more people seeking seasonal produce, fresh ingredients, and connection. We talk about how that shift has impacted both shoppers and farmers—and why supporting local really matters.

Courtney talks about the challenges local farmers are facing, and we share how shopping seasonally can totally change the way you cook at home. Plus, we share why getting kids involved in the farmers market experience can spark a lifelong appreciation for good food. 

Join me as we celebrate the beauty and community of local farmers markets. I hope you enjoy this one!

In this episode, we chat about:

• How farmers markets help build strong, local communities
• The rise in market growth and what it means for farmers
• The value of buying and eating seasonal produce
• Why it’s important to support local growers and food makers
• The connection between local food, sustainability, and cooking habits
• What we can learn from farmer stories and real-life challenges
• Easy ways to engage kids in food education at the farmers market
• Creative inspiration for cooking with whatever’s fresh each week

References from Today's Episode:

Davidson Farmers Market Website

Davidson Farmers Market on Instagram

Courtney Spear's Catering Company - Courtney Cooks

Connect with Me: 
Have a story idea, question, or feedback on the podcast? I'd love to hear from you. Send an email to julia@homecookedstories.com. 

Instagram: @juliathehomecook
Website: www.homecookedstories.com 

Thinking about a family trip to Maine? For those of you that crave culinary adventures when you travel, but also need to keep it family friendly, I've got you covered! In this episode, I'm sharing the itinerary and highlights of our unforgettable vacation to Portland, Maine. You'll hear tips for traveling with kids, finding family-friendly activities, and discovering the local food scene. 

From tasting fresh lobster (that we caught ourselves) to exploring Peak's Island, I'm reflecting on how food, fun, and a little spontaneity can turn travel into lasting memories. 

Perfect for parents, foodies, and travel lovers alike - this episode brings you practical travel tips and recommendations with a side of heartfelt storytelling. 

Buckle that seatbelt, and let's go!

What You'll Learn: 

• How to plan a kid-friendly trip to Portland, Maine
• Why culinary experiences elevate family travel
• The impact great accommodations can have on your trip
• What are the "must-do's" during your visit

Enjoyed this episode?
If this story inspired your next family adventure or gave you helpful travel tips, please take a moment to rate and review the show. I'd greatly appreciate it! Your feedback makes the show better and helps other listeners discover these stories that celebrate food, family, and travel. Thanks for being a part of the journey. I'm glad you're here!

Summary
Have you ever been inspired by a podcast but need an extra nudge to turn inspiration into real life application? That's what this episode is all about - taking the ideas from the first two episodes and showing you how I put them into practice in one week. I'll tell you how I used one homemade salad dressing and a bag of ole reliable oats to make six delicious (and nutritious) meals - saving time and simplifying meal plans for the days ahead. I was energized by the previous topics discussed and wanted to see how I could apply it in real life. Now, I'm sharing that experience with you to help us all work smarter (not harder) in the kitchen.

Where available, I've included links below to the online recipes and cookbook mentioned in today's episode.  

Featured Recipes
Lidey Heuck's Avocado Goddess Dressing, from her cookbook Cooking in Real Life

• BLTs
• Food & Wine's Green goddess chicken salad
• Quinoa salad
• Crudites platter
• Cookie and Kate's blueberry bake 
• Homemade granola

Resources and Links
Website: www.homecookedstories.com
Email: julia@homecookedstories.com
Instagram: @juliathehomecook

Subscribe and Review
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps Home Cooked Stories reach more listeners and continues to build our community of food lovers. 

Welcome back to another episode of Home Cooked Stories! Today’s topic hits home for myself and many other women as we navigate middle age. Ready or not, our bodies are changing – impacting our physical composition and cognitive health. I’m so grateful to have Dr. Ariel Haddad as my guest for this discussion. She helps us better understand the intricate relationship between food, health, and hormonal changes, particularly during perimenopause and menopause. Ariel shares her journey from being an OB-GYN to focusing on menopause care, emphasizing the importance of understanding hormonal impacts on body composition and cognitive health. We also talk about the need for a positive approach to nutrition, advocating for joyful eating and social connections as essential components of well-being. And this conversation wouldn’t be complete without discussing the critical role of nutrition, particularly fiber and protein, in midlife health. To help, we explore practical strategies for incorporating these nutrients into daily meals, especially for families. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding body composition over scale weight, the complexities of alcohol consumption and its health implications, and empowering women to advocate for their health needs with healthcare providers. 
 
 A good story is meant to be shared! If you enjoy today’s episode, please share it with friends and family that would find this information valuable as well. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you’ll know as soon as an episode drops each month.
 
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Food and Health Connection

02:36 Dr. Ariel Haddad's Journey to Menopause Care

04:44 Understanding Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause

06:55 Body Composition Changes and Their Impact

09:57 Cognitive Health and Hormonal Influence

12:41 The Role of Food in Hormonal Health

15:27 Embracing Joyful Eating and Social Connections

21:42 The Importance of Fiber and Protein in Midlife Nutrition

26:15 Family Meals: Balancing Health and Picky Eaters

29:17 Understanding Body Composition vs. Scale Weight

30:14 Navigating Alcohol Consumption and Health Risks

35:58 Empowering Women to Advocate for Their Health
 
 
References from Today’s Episode:
Helia Health: https://www.heliahealth.us/
My Fitness Pal app: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/
The Menopause Society: https://menopause.org/


Connect with Me:
Have a story idea, question, or feedback on the podcast? I’d love to hear from you. Send an email to julia@homecookedstories.com

Instagram: @juliathehomecook
Website: www.homecookedstories.com 

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Home Cooked Stories podcast! Have you ever felt frustrated by family meal planning amidst busy schedules, or generally crave a need for simplicity and convenience when it comes to making meals? On today’s episode, my guest Sheela Prakash and I are exploring the significance of home-cooked meals, the evolution of food media, and practical cooking tips. We’re also getting real about the challenges of meal planning, the importance of flexibility in cooking, and how to build confidence in the kitchen.

Sheela shares her culinary journey as a food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author – dishing out insights into ingredient substitutions, the need for simplicity, and empowering creativity in home cooking. Stay tuned to the end for a fun discussion about culinary inspirations, including a classic Italian recipe from Marcella Hazan you’ll want to try.

Highlights Include:

• 8:23 The Quest for Simplicity in Cooking
• 12:29 Understanding Ingredient Substitutions 
• 14:18 Meal Planning Strategies for Busy Lives 
• 30:50 Simplifying Cooking: Small Wins Matter 
• 32:11 Finding Inspiration: Cookbooks vs Online Recipes 
• 38:39 Culinary Inspirations: Gelato and a Brioche Bun 
• 41:37 Culinary Icons: Cooking with Marcella Hazan

References Mentioned in Today's Episode: 

• Marcella Hazan's Tomato Sauce Recipe: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/tomato-sauce-onion-and-butter 
• Sheela's Cookbooks 
  • Salad Seasons: https://www.amazon.com/Salad-Seasons-Vegetable-Forward-Dishes-Year/dp/0847899268 
  • Mediterranean Every Day: https://www.amazon.com/Mediterranean-Every-Day-Inspired-Feel-Good/dp/1558329994/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39KW9RYLABP7U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AFS7Uep72HAph9mczlpVXgo4NgGSXW94d4hcfMX2uq9JN-GZNKTj_L31ZvyE7G9tXQVn6ZHwADX6b_aO7_kwtqQLxKCSz05TOgdYgOJPCeTbt2Z7up6UyqZvV4Yf9pcW92sYM_LbX4drGEJ3rkuXj36XENguQZ5XleM_RCSotjiA3zGoRh7-NuWz0fdNMGprCGUJVnFsx84o-cgQzqxwRcIX1ZSqhRl8TR3BbAyFHM8.PQJ59fRvLWffTSNP75N99h2Y1U4LzFwj2HOrLC1NfbI&dib_tag=se&keywords=mediterranean+everyday&qid=1740165802&s=books&sprefix=mediterranean+everda%2Cstripbooks%2C284&sr=1-1 
  • Sheela's Whole Lemon Vinaigrette recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/sheela-prakash-whole-lemon-vinaigrette-recipe-8709237

About Sheela Prakash:
Sheela is a recipe developer and food and wine writer – having been featured in New York Times Cooking and previously on staff at Kitchn, Epicurious, and Food52. She’s also the author of two cookbooks: Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. And her second cookbook, Salad Seasons: Vegetable-Forward Dishes All Year, received numerous accolades including being named one of the best cookbooks of 2023 by WIRED, Food Network, Bon Appetit and Forbes. Sheela received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy, holds Level 2 and Level 3 Awards in Wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), graduated from New York University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, and is also a Registered Dietitian.   

Connect with Julia:
 Website: www.homecookedstories.com 
 Instagram: @juliathehomecook 
 
Have a story idea, question, or just want to say hello? I'd love to hear from you! Send an email to julia@homecookedstories.com.