Summary

In this episode, Brittany and Melissa welcome listeners back to Season Three of their podcast, 'The Sentimental Twist.' They reflect on their holiday experiences, discuss the importance of community and family traditions, and share insights on hosting during the quieter months of January and February. They also engage in a fun speed round of questions, revealing personal preferences and insights into their lives. In this episode, Melissa and Brittany discuss the joy of weekends and favorite days, home organization during winter, and the comfort of heirloom recipes. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt toast to sentimentality, emphasizing the beauty of everyday moments and the importance of community and self-care.

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Highlights

• Register for Melissa’s Cooking Class at Fort Worth Central Market
• Melissa Digital Store (for dinner party checklist and pantry camp)
• Bless It, We Had to Share It: Brittany’s John Derian Picture Book
• Bless It, We Had to Share It: Melissa’s Lydia Menzies The Supper Club
• Carol Barclay's Tamale Soup Recipe

Takeaways

• January and February can be a time for reflection, slowing down, and embracing quiet moments.
• Hospitality should be a habit, not an event.
• Meaningful homes are those that are lived in and loved.
• Simplicity in hosting can lead to more enjoyable gatherings.
• Creating a welcoming space doesn't have to be complicated.
• Sharing meals can be as simple as ordering takeout.
• Personal connections are what make gatherings special.
• Winter is a great time for organizing and decluttering spaces.
• Heirloom recipes evoke nostalgia and comfort during colder months.
• Food cravings in winter are influenced by biological and environmental factors.

Contact The Sentimental Twist

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the Co-Hosts

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season 3 of The Sentimental Twist!

06:11 Embracing January's Quietness

09:26 Reintroducing The Sentimental Twist & Our Why

14:30 The Importance of Hospitality and Connection

15:01 Hospitality Tips for January and February: Winter Entertaining

27:59 Porch Talk Speed Round

48:22 Exploring Heirloom Recipes and Sentimental Foods

59:08 Bless It, We Had to Share: Favorite Finds

01:05:11 Toast to Sentiment: Living Fully in the Present

Summary

In this festive finale of Season Two, Brittany and Melissa celebrate the joys of Christmas hosting, sharing sentimental decorating tips, heirloom recipes, and the importance of creating cozy spaces. They emphasize the value of self-care during the busy holiday season and reflect on their personal traditions and community connections. The episode wraps up with a fun speed round of holiday favorites and heartfelt reflections on the season's journey.

Highlights:

• Send us an email at thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com
• Melissa’s Percolator Punch
• Brittany’s Red Hots Wassail:
  • 1 gallon apple cider or juice
  • 1-2 c. orange juice
  • ½ c. red hots (less or more more to taste)
    • You can mix and warm on the stovetop, slow cooker or percolator
• Ina’s Chipotle & Rosemary Roasted Nuts
• Our friend Janet’s Instagram @thesimplevintagelife
• Hickory Farms Holiday Celebrations Coffee
• Melissa’s Digital Store for Hosting Essentials

Takeaways

• It doesn't have to be elaborate to decorate for Christmas.
• Every home needs one cozy corner that feels like Christmas.
• Reuse what you have for holiday decorating.
• Creating a multi-sensory experience enhances the holiday spirit.
• Sentimental decor can tell a story and evoke memories.
• Heirloom recipes connect us to our past and family traditions.
• Self-care is essential during the busy holiday season.
• Community connections can be formed through shared experiences.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Sentimental Twist Season 2 Finale!

02:13 Sentimental Decorating: Cozy Christmas Corners

14:09 Heirloom Recipes & Festive Sips

22:30 Gracious Hospitality: A Gentle Reminder to Slow Down

33:31 Porch Talk Speed Round

46:55 Wrapping Up Season 2: Reflections

52:58 Looking Ahead to Season Three

55:34 A Toast to Sentiment: A Christmas Message

Summary

In this episode of The Sentimental Twist, Brittany and Melissa explore the essence of the holiday season through nostalgia, meaningful spaces, and cherished traditions. They discuss the power of scent, sound, and story in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere during Christmas. The hosts share personal anecdotes about their favorite holiday memories, recipes, and the importance of keeping stories alive for future generations. They also engage in a fun segment of quickfire questions, reflecting on their unique holiday traditions and the emotional anchors that make Christmas special.

Highlights:

• Judy’s Gingerbread
• SugarWish
• Eliz’s Caramel Snack Mix Recipe:
  • 1 stick butter
  • ¾ c. white corn syrup
  • 1 c. packed brown sugar
  • 1 c. chopped pecans
  • 1 c. cashews
  • 1 12-oz. pkg. Crispix (7 cups)
    • Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
    • Line an extra-large roasting pan with foil and spray with Pam.
    • In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter, white corn syrup, and brown sugar to make caramel sauce. Bring to a boil and cook for two minutes.
    • Place the cereal, pecans, and cashews into the prepared roasting pan. Pour the caramel sauce mixture over the cereal and nuts and mix gently until the cereal and nuts are coated.
    • Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
    • When it has cooked, spread it on wax paper or parchment paper so that it does not stick together. Let cool, eat, and enjoy!

Takeaways

• The holiday season evokes strong feelings of nostalgia through scents, sounds, and stories.
• Creating meaningful spaces in our homes can enhance our holiday experiences.
• Sentimental items can tell stories and connect us to our past.
• It's important to navigate changes during the holidays with grace and support.
• The sounds of Christmas music can create a joyful atmosphere in our homes.
• Sharing traditions and recipes can strengthen family bonds during the holidays.
• Personal stories and memories can enrich our holiday celebrations.
• Engaging in holiday activities can help us create new memories while honoring the past.
• The act of decorating can be a multi-sensory experience that brings joy.
• Every family has unique traditions that contribute to their holiday spirit.

Contact The Sentimental Twist:

Follow The Sentimental Twist on Instagram @thesentimentaltwistpodcast.

Email: thesentimentaltwistpodcast@gmail.com.

Follow the Co-Hosts:

• Brittany: @brittanyshepard and www.thesentimentaldecorator.com and YouTube.
• Melissa: @homewithatwist and www.homewithatwist.com and YouTube.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the Sentimental Twist

02:45 Sentimental Decorating: A Seasonal Home with Soul

08:39 The Power of Story in Decor

27:02 Bless It, We Had to Share It

35:58 Sentimental Christmas Foods and Recipes

50:52 Quickfire Christmas Questions

50:53 Porch Talk Speed Round

59:41 A Toast to Sentiment