“We are all experiencing life for the first time together.”If this isn’t the point of Let’s Talk and Nothin But Fine in general I don’t know what is.  I knew I was going to like Alex before I ever talked to her, but this quote on her website really sealed the deal.  You are going to love her.  She lets us all into her life with such honesty. Alexandra Nolan's Bio: Welcome!  I’m Alexandra Nicole Nolan and I am so happy you are here. As an author (The Unconventional Entrepreneur,) mompreneur (The Aroma Haus,) and lifestyle blogger from Memphis, Tennessee, I fill my days pursuing the dream of being my own boss as a full-time digital entrepreneur, business consultant, and brand developer; while spending my evenings playing super heroes, bathing kiddos, making dinner, and tucking in my littles. I love to cover relatable topics such as beauty hacks for the boss mom, business tips, home and garden décor, lessons on staying healthy when there is no time, unconventional parenting, and my travel diaries (with and without the kiddos). Just as this blog has empowered me to expand in my expertise and experiences, City Chic Living is for the modern woman  who seeks to be empowered through an unconventional lifestyle and exploring the environment and the world in which they live and travel.Check out more about Alexandra here:https://www.alexandranicolenolan.com/https://www.instagram.com/alexandra.nicole/?hl=en---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

So glad that I can call Jane Bertch my friend!  Not only does she have a great business that I really enjoy,  she also has really enviable, glorious hair.  My friend in Paris is so chic.  About Jane: When Jane Bertch was seventeen, her mother took her on a graduation trip to Paris. Thrilled to use her high school French, Jane found her halting attempts greeted with withering condescension by every waiter and shopkeeper she encountered. At the end of the trip, she vowed she would never return.Yet a decade later she found herself back in Paris, transferred there by the American bank she worked for. She became fluent in the language and excelled in her new position. But she had a different dream: to start a cooking school for foreigners like her, who wanted to take a few classes in French cuisine in a friendly setting, then bring their new skills to their kitchens back home. Predictably, Jane faced the skeptical French—how dare an American banker start a cooking school in Paris?—as well as real-estate nightmares, and a long struggle to find and attract clients.Thanks to Jane’s perseverance, La Cuisine Paris opened in 2009. Now the school is thriving, welcoming international visitors to come in and knead dough, whisk bechamel, whip meringue, and learn the care, precision, patience, and beauty involved in French cooking.You can read her story in the book,The French Ingredient.---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

Marcia embarked on her professional journey in the editorial world at Parenting magazine. Her career evolved with roles as a producer at Women.com, a food editor for 7x7 magazine in San Francisco, and as a contributing editor and restaurant critic at Houston magazine. Her freelance articles and recipes have graced the pages of publications such as Cooking Light, Parenting, Houston Chronicle, Sunset, American Health, Rebecca’s Garden, Robb Report, Houston, Parenting Travel, BabyTalk, BabyCenter.com, and Safeway magazine. Marcia's writing skills and recipe acumen earned her a spot as a recurring contributor to Cooking Light’s Annual Recipes cookbooks. Her Dinner is Done cookbook clinched the 2023 Independent Press Award for Best Cookbook and subsequently appeared on a billboard in Times Square.A familiar face on the screen, Marcia engages viewers with live cooking segments on HoustonLife, an NBC daytime lifestyle show in Houston. She has also appeared on Great Day Houston and Hallmark Home & Family. Beyond the screen, Marcia shares her expertise through interviews on podcasts and lifestyle websites, and she keeps her audience engaged with a newsletter featuring meal plans, cooking tips, and recipes.Her website:https://smartinthekitchen.com/ IG@smartinthekitchen What a fun conversation this was!  Again I have met someone fantastic at The Southern C Summit.  So very thankful that Marcia and I ended up next to each other at our mentor lunch.  She is so precious and fun.  I can’t wait for yall to meet her. ---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

This week on Let's Talk Emily speaks with Lauran Tuck!A philanthropist and education advocate, Lauran Tuck currently serves on the Board of Directors for Matriculate, a national nonprofit organization focused on college access. Over the years, Lauran has worked in the education sector from coast to coast in many ways; including as an elected official on the Board of Education in Fort Lee, NJ. Lauran was a member of the philanthropic arm of Super Bowl 50, where she was one of the forces behind The Re(a)d Zone in California. Among other efforts, Lauran also led a collaboration with Books for Kids to build full lending libraries inside low-income preschools in Alabama. In addition to her volunteer work, Lauran has worked as an executive consultant in the nonprofit sector, most recently with the Family Success Institute, and she began her career with The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., in Media & Community Relations.Lauran graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2006 with a degree in Marketing. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012. She remains involved with both institutions, serving on advisory councils and volunteering.Lauran and her husband, Justin, are the proud parents of two sons, Jayce and Jonah.---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

It has been a minute since Helen and Emily have been in the studio!  2023 was a year and 2024 looks to be the same.  Do you make resolutions?  You know Helen and I don’t love it.  Nevertheless, we are setting some intentions/goals.  We want all of us to start using the word cahoots more.  Tell us how you incorporate this word in your daily vocabulary.  I guess we just made cahoots our word of the year.  This is hour of us catching up and being our usual ridiculous selves.  We missed Amy #1.  Meet the Shoebill Stork: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/shoebill-stork Helen’s favorite platform to binge shows: https://www.britbox.com/us/She loves Shetland. Olympics are coming!  Paris 2024.  What event would you like to be the control sample for? Be careful with wild animal pets.---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

Welcome back to this compelling second part of my conversation with Pastor Shane Green from Saint Paul United Methodist Church.We delve deeper into the nuances of faith, leadership, and personal growth. Pastor Shane shares the complexities of balancing his pastoral responsibilities with his personal life, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional and spiritual challenges faced by spiritual leaders. Join us as we continue our exploration of the human experience through the lens of spirituality and community!---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

Today on Nothin' But Fine we're diving into a conversation that intertwines faith, community, and personal journeys. My special guest is the Reverend Doctor Shane Green from Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia. In this episode, we explore the dynamics of modern-day church life and the essence of community in a digital age. Pastor Shane shares insights from his own spiritual journey, as we discuss the challenges and rewards of pastoral life, including the delicate balance between personal life and ministerial duties. This episode is not just for those of faith, but for anyone interested in how traditional institutions like the church are evolving in today's fast-paced, often fragmented world. Join us for part one of a heartfelt and enlightening conversation and be sure to tune in next week for part two!---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

This week on Nothin' But Fine, I share a wholesome conversation with Becca Snider!“Becca has a background in movement through Pilates and Yoga. As a Pilates studio owner and senior instructor, she has been teaching others how to discover what well-being means for them. There is nothing that lights her up more than to see people feel empowered through neuromuscular awareness and a connection to their bodies. Becca is passionate about helping other women and mothers find empowerment and freedom through present moment awareness and self-care; as well as preventing burnout from the stresses that so many women face in today’s world. Her eyes were opened to a whole new way of living when she personally chose a life of being alcohol-free. She is now a senior coach with This Naked Mind.” www.thezeroprooflife.com  I have known Becca for almost 12 years.  I cannot think of a kinder couple than Becca and her husband Matt.  They truly handle everything that comes their way with such grace and true grit.  And they are hilarious.  Before Becca was the owner of Quest Pilates studio she was a trainer and if I am being honest, some days there was more laughter than exercise on my part.  Grateful to know her and I know you will be too.  Mentions!@questpilatesstudio@thezeroprooflife@becsnider---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

If you're a long-time Nothin' But Fine follower, you know that we put on a FABULOUS Christmas Carols montage last year. Well, it was so good we are airing a re-run for you! It's our Christmas gift to you. Share this with your friends to get them in the holiday spirit!---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT I GOT TO INTERVIEW SANTA.  Ya’ll I may quit doing interviews.  I mean how do you top sitting down with THE one and only jolly St. Nick?  I mean we know that he is so loveable and kind from our childhoods, but goodness I think I love him even more as an adult.  This is an episode you can listen to with your kids.  No expose here.  You don’t want to miss it.---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

We would like a break. Emily is going to France sans the Trotter boys. Helen wants a Spa Experience. Amy wants a trip to Reynolds. We also talk gift-giving strategies because, whew, it can be exhausting. P.S. get your movie watching cozy clothes on - it’s Hallmark movie time! Be sure to check out:Kim Hassold Art - @kimhassoldRebecca & Maria’s - @rebeccaandmariasShuler Studio -  https://www.shulerstudio.com---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

I have my own Christmas Elf that helps get my house in the festive spirit.  He comes in, gets all the decorations out, and then puts them up.  In one day. In about 9 hours I have a perfectly jolly holiday home.  Seriously, if you can have someone come do your Christmas décor…do it.  Matt Chapman has been helping me since Christmas 2019 and I will never go back.  It is so nice to have someone with a plan come do it.  If you are anything like me you get lost in Christmas memories while getting it all out and what should go quickly ends up being a week long process that makes enjoying it hard because you have been touching it and thinking about it for too long.  Ugh.  That’s why I have Matt. You can get in touch here:Matt ChapmanScheduled Occasions706-329-5156---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

America’s Baking Sweetheart.  I am making that his title.  Brian is light and love.  No kidding.  I had no idea when I ended up with Brooke Bell (Chief Content Officer for Hoffman Media…and the work wife of Brian) as my mentor at a conference what delightful world was about to be opened to me.  Brian spoke the next day on a panel, and I introduced myself to him afterwards by saying I couldn’t wait for us to be friends.  (Yes, I really did that.) And he said we already were!  He might have been being polite, he swears he wasn’t, but I think I have won him over.  The business his beloved mom, Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, built is his heart.  You can feel it when he talks about it.  He and his uber talented team have created such an inclusive, encouraging, fun community of bakers.  This conversation was supposed to be about what to bake for Christmas, but honestly it was more than that.  I hope you love getting to know my new BFF. Be sure to check out:https://bakefromscratch.com/https://www.hoffmanmedia.com/---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

I asked Christy to join me on Let’s Talk because I had heard so many FANTASTIC things about her from her clients.  I also knew that she was passionate about mental health, and I figured the stressful holiday season was the perfect time to have her on.  She gives so many helpful ideas of how to keep your sanity and I think we discovered that I need to make an appointment.  She has such a soothing voice and I can only imagine how comforting it must be to have her by your side while figuring hard things out.  I hope that you take this opportunity for a “free session” by tuning in.  There is no shame in seeking help.Read more about Christy and her services here: https://adaptcounseling.com/staff/meet-christy-hubbard/ ---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

In the words of Fleetwood Mac, "Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies." So we can all agree we've told a lie at SOME point in our lives...right? Did you know there was a whole science behind lying? Helen walks us through how humans develop the "skill of lying," aka Theory of Mind. We dive into a Times article that gives you the five times experts say it's okay to lie aka a situational permission slip.At the end of the day, we don't condone lying. But hey, you do you; you might be surprised what a lie can do for you!References & Mentions:Time's ArticleWoman Returns from Vacation to Find Atlanta Home Demolished @herrspencerart@tonybaker on Instagram---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

You are about to learn more about monograms and fonts than you expected?  Why you ask?  Because there is a lot to learn.  And it is interesting to learn how it all happens.  I must say I was shocked to hear just how many custom fonts Shuler Studios has now.  I am now a big fan of Pam Shuler and the business she has started and grown.  Pam and her daughter, Carolyn, are an inspiring mother-daughter duo that have made monograms cool again.  And not just for Southerners! Be sure to check out their website & shop: https://www.shulerstudio.com/And use the discount code: FINE25---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

We were joined by Julianne David and Reynolds Bickerstaff…or should I say Sue the power walker and Roy Munson?  It can be nerve wrecking to be invited to an event that requires a costume.  These two folks really give a good pep talk for just grabbing a wig and heading out the door.  What are you going to be for Halloween?  Listen in for some GREAT costume ideas for you and your kids.  And Emily finally gets to dress up as Sybil Trelawney. ---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

The great poet The Twisted Sisters once said, "We're not gonna take it; no, we ain't gonna take it; we're not gonna take it anymore."If these are the vibes you're picking up, this is the episode for you. Emily, Helen, and Amy commiserate on the things that grind their gears and have them throwing their hands up in the air. Everything from the cost of college classes, hormones, extravagant weddings, the lack of local drive-thru coffee shops, and all the STUFF we seem to accumulate in our lives. But one thing Amy and Emily can't get enough of? Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Together, they give Helen the rundown on all things "Traylor '', the Kelce brothers, and the worldwide phenomenon this relationship has become. Also, do you follow @BrodiethatDood on Instagram? His grammar and spelling are top-notch for a pet on Instagram if you ask Emily!Mentions:@BrodiethatDood@lunathatgoldenhttps://phillyspecialchristmas.com/---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

Today on the Pod, Emily, Helen, and Amy discuss how to make friends - and as a trio of introverts, we found this topic particularly interesting. Did you know there was such a thing as a Friendship Coach? Why is it so easy to make friends as a kid? At what point do we find it difficult to find and connect to new people? Everyone can agree that friendships make life easier - look at the Steep Hill Experiment! But how do you find those people? One thing that stood out was to be your authentic self. Kelly Bandas wrote in her book Rookie Mistakes: A Grown-Up's Field Guide for Getting Your Act Together, “What does matter is that we use our time together as a means of investing in our relationship, helping each other feel seen, and hopefully having some laughs while we do it.”Speaking of making friends! Want to meet other listeners of Nothin' But Fine? Emily, Helen, and Amy are attending the next Columbus Symphony Orchestra performance on November 18. Titled From Mozart to the Birds, the musicians' talent and artistry will blow you away, and it is a great way to make new friends! We hope to see you there! References & Mentions:Rookie Mistakes: A Grown Up's Field Guide for Getting Your Act Together* by  Kelly BandasThe Queen of French Adventures, Claudine HemingwayColumbus Symphony Orchestra - From Mozart to the Birds PerformanceArticle: Why making friends as an adult is so hard (and how to do it) - BetterupArticle: 9 Ways To Make New Friends As An Adult - The Every GirlArticle: How to Make Friends as an Adult - NY TimesArticle: 20 Simple Ways To Make Friends As An Adult, Recommended By Experts - Mind Body Green*Affiliate link, that supports Nothin' But Fine!---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!

When I met Courtney Folk at the Southern C Summit early this year, I immediately thought what a BOSS.  Now I am even more convinced.  This episode has so much good stuff in it!  We really covered it all.  I learned so much.  Did you know that the resumes we all use were based upon an idea of the 30’s?  Courtney gives us great tips about applying for jobs, running a business, work/family balance, inflation, working with her husband…see!?!  So.  Much.  Good.  Stuff.Give Courtney and her company a follow:@courtneydfolk@renewallogistics---Check out the Nothin' But Fine blog and website.Follow us on social media: InstagramFacebookTwitterYouTube Want everything in your inbox? Subscribe to the Nothin' But Fine newsletter!