Episodes
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the art of blending decor styles with your partner and how to navigate the disruptions a renovation can have on your life and relationship. Whether you're embarking on a home makeover journey or simply seeking to harmonize your design tastes with your partner, this episode is a must-listen. I’m sharing practical tips and strategies to ensure your home transformation journey is as smooth and stylish as possible. Plus helping Erika, Nathalie & Julie with...
Published 05/05/24
In today’s episode, we're taking a deep dive into the world of new home builds, transforming sterile spaces into inviting homes with style. Whether you're navigating how to decorate a new build yourself or simply looking for inspiration to elevate your home's style and flow. This episode is packed with practical tips and where-to-begin advice to help you create a space that truly feels like home. AND I’m helping Anna & Julia with their new build design dilemmas - exploring everything from...
Published 04/17/24
In today’s episode, we’re talking about renovating the heart of the home - the kitchen! Kitchen renovations can be costly, but with careful planning and thoughtful design, they can also add immense value to your home and enhance daily living. Join me as we discuss budget-friendly tips, creative design solutions and effective ways to manage timelines without compromising on quality. PLUS, I’m helping Chelsea and Tiffany with their own kitchen dilemmas, offering personalized advice and...
Published 04/03/24
In this special episode of "With My Own Two Hands," I'm sharing the most cherished moments from our inaugural season. I've carefully selected and woven together the highlights that made season one truly special. From the behind-the-scenes lessons I learned from renovating our first home to focusing on life & relationships that has given us the greatest gift life could offer. I hope you guys have enjoyed this season and I'll see you soon! XO, MaCenna. Learn more about your ad choices....
Published 01/10/24
Last year I set a goal to really listen to my body and trust my gut when it told me that I needed to focus more on my relationship and life and take a step back from renovating our cottage in Texas. I am very excited to report that my gut was right and I have a big surprise. In today's episode, I'm diving into goal setting and how making a plan for the year is the only way to set your life on the right path to achieve your big goals. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/xo to save 10% off...
Published 12/27/23
In this episode, we dive into the journey of discovering and defining your decor style. Discovering your style can feel overwhelming and ever-changing so whether you’re a seasoned design enthusiast or just starting to explore your own decor style, this episode will give you inspiration to guide you on your decor journey. Plus, I’m sharing how my own decor style has changed over the years and how I personally really discovered my style! Head to https://www.squarespace.com/xo to save 10% off...
Published 12/13/23
In this festive episode, come along with me as we unwrap the ups and downs of the holiday season. We'll dive into the quest for that ideal festive vibe, balancing the excitement with the reality of creating perfect decor moments. Let's share our cherished family traditions, painting a picture of joy and inspiration to help everyone catch the holiday spirit and unwind from the seasonal stress. Join the conversation, and let's make this season merry and bright together! Try AG1 and get a FREE...
Published 11/29/23
I’ve spent the last five years working on something I’d hoped one day would come to life. All the hard work, love and detail that has gone into this project is paying off in the most beautiful, fulfilling way. I’m excited to announce my candle collection, Auden Lueur, to the world and I hope you guys love and cherish it as much as I do! The 3-part “making of” series is premiering on my YouTube channel @xomacenna this week! Head to https://www.squarespace.com/xo to save 10% off your first...
Published 11/15/23
Today’s episode dives into the American mentality of "work, work, work" and the pervasive habit of placing one's entire sense of success and self-worth squarely on the shoulders of their job and work ethic. It also explores the cultural factors and societal pressures that contribute to this mindset and the all-too-familiar guilt that accompanies moments of relaxation and self-care. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/xo to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code...
Published 11/01/23
Prepare to be thoroughly spooked as we dive into the realm of hair-raising tales of haunted homes in this episode. These firsthand accounts, submitted by YOU, our listeners, will send shivers down your spine as we explore the mysterious and the paranormal that have unfolded within the walls of everyday homes. Grab a cozy blanket and join me for a thrilling journey into the world of Haunted Home Stories that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/XO to...
Published 10/18/23
I recently had the chance to visit France! There, I roamed the bustling Paris flea markets in search of vintage home decor and explored the Provence region in the south of France. In today’s episode, I wanted to share how taking a trip, big or small, can have an impact on your life and get your creative juices flowing. I came back from that trip feeling so inspired and with a new perspective on design. If you want to take ownership of your health, try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of...
Published 10/04/23
After going through the process of purchasing a home myself, and now most of our friends are buying their first homes, I have put together my best advice for you guys! In today's episode, I’m sharing how to find a good realtor, what to look for when touring a home and what to do when you find the home you love! Head to https://www.squarespace.com/XO to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code XO. Visit https://ritual.com/XO to start Ritual or add Essential For...
Published 09/20/23
The Fall season is HERE and I was so excited to decorate, so it got me thinking of ways to decorate without breaking the bank. In today’s episode I'm sharing the ways I find seasonal decor on a budget, decorating with purpose and how to make each season feel new and inspired. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/XO to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code XO. Go to https://hellofresh.com/50xo and use code 50xo for 50% off plus 15% off the next 2 months! If you...
Published 09/06/23
In today’s episode, we are diving into how the places we call home, our work nooks and even the neighborhoods we reside in can work their magic in our lives and creativity. Plus, diving into the questions you've sent, unpacking the similarities and differences of Texas and California and how they have shaped who I am today. Head to https://www.squarespace.com/XO to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code XO. If you want to take ownership of your health, try AG1...
Published 08/23/23
I’ve spent almost 3 years renovating our home so I’ve learned a few things about balancing the design and functionality that I want in a home while also making the right decisions during renovation that are going to increase the property value. In today’s episode, I’m sharing things I did “wrong” in our renovation and how if I had made some small tweaks it would have really increased the value of the home if we ever decide to sell. Go to https://www.squarespace.com/XO to save 10% off your...
Published 08/09/23
Most of us go through life surrounded by others, from school to working in offices, there's always people around. It wasn’t until I left my corporate job that I realized I needed to “detox” from being around people all the time. I had to adjust to a life where I spent more time ALONE. In today’s episode, I’m talking about how I learned to love being alone and how it unlocked a creative side that I didn’t even know I had. Follow MaCenna: @XOMaCenna To listen to the podcast on YouTube:...
Published 07/26/23
I was on the verge of burnout this past week and over the years I’ve learned the signs that my body or mind give me when it’s trying to tell me that I’m burning out and I need to slow down! In today’s episode, we are diving into how I’ve avoided burnout over the years with work, home renovations, life in general AND the tricks I’ve used to keep living a very productive lifestyle! Head to https://www.squarespace.com/XO to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code...
Published 07/12/23
If you have ever been overwhelmingly helped by men in a hardware store and looked at like you must be lost and in the wrong store … you know exactly what this episode is going to be about! If you’ve ever been dismissed by contractors because you aren’t going to know what they're talking about and they would rather wait for your “husband” we feel your frustration. Let’s chat about what it's really like to be women in a male dominated industry - building & construction. Today we are sharing...
Published 06/28/23
I’ve been reflecting a lot recently with my 35th birthday coming up and thinking about how I got to this place in life of pure happiness and peace. Let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy road to get here! I don’t talk about my past and jobs/careers that lead me to the life I have now, but it truly made me who I am today. It brought me to this place in life where I get to wake up everyday and do what I love. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my past careers, taking a leap of faith to leave my cushy...
Published 06/15/23
After renovating our 112-year-old cottage and building a 1000 sq ft NEW addition onto it, I’ve realized I made some great decisions and other not-so-great ones while building. In today’s episode I’m sitting down with my mom, who has built over 8 homes, to chat about the BEST & WORST decisions we’ve made while building. Follow MaCenna: @XOMaCenna To listen to the podcast on YouTube: bit.ly/WMOTHYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by...
Published 05/31/23
I come from a long line of women that love shopping for antiques and remember traveling to flea markets as a little girl (and hating it). NOW I love shopping and searching for vintage and antique decor for my home. In today’s episode mom and I chat about what vintage and antique decor we look for, where to find the best items and our favorite pieces we’ve found (and how we styled them).  Follow MaCenna: @XOMaCenna To listen to the podcast on YouTube: bit.ly/WMOTHYouTube Don’t forget to...
Published 05/17/23
I started up-cycling decor I would find at thrift shops years ago and was motivated by saving money. Shopping at thrift stores was much cheaper than buying new so I would browse the decor aisles to see what I could up-cycle to fit our home and style. Although I started up-cycling to save money, I quickly realized there were many benefits to shopping second-hand and salvage. In today’s episode I’m sharing my favorite up-cycling projects, how I find decor to flip and how our 112-year-old...
Published 05/03/23
My long time friend Drew Michael Scott from Lone Fox and I chat about our experiences buying and renovating our first homes. Everything from things that surprised us during a home renovation to how we’ve grown as designers through the process. Follow MaCenna: @XOMaCenna To listen to the podcast on YouTube: bit.ly/WMOTHYouTube Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: bit.ly/WMOTHPod If you like the show, telling a friend about it...
Published 04/19/23
When we bought the cottage in 2021 we knew it needed A LOT of work and that everyone else would have torn it down, but we saw potential and I love to save and salvage. We didn’t realize the pandemic and location of the cottage would have a huge impact on how much it cost to renovate. In today’s episode I'm breaking it all down… how much we’ve spent on renovating the cottage, our unique POV on setting budgets and the results from our poll of what you guys have paid for different home...
Published 04/05/23