Happy Wednesday, friends! It’s time for this month’s LET’S LOOK!
If you don’t know what this is, once a month, Erika and I do a little link up where we “look” at different aspects of our lives (and then if you blog, you share and link up too!). We have been doing this little linky party for years now, and it’s always one of my favorite posts each month because most of the topics are YOUR suggestions!
So far in 2024, here’s what we’ve “looked at”…
In January, we looked at HOW WE CLEAN OUR CLOSETS.
In February, we looked at LITTLE THINGS WE DO EVERY SINGLE DAY.
And today, we’re LOOKING AT WHAT’S IN OUR GROCERY CARTS.
Okay, but first, can we have a private conversation here? Just you and me?
Here’s the deal, I’m going to keep this post super short and super sweet because I’m taking off work today to do something I’ve been putting off for a year. It’s not a big deal, but it’s just something I haven’t wanted to do and have been looking for a lot of excuses not to do it…BUT…today is the day, and I’m all “prepped” and ready to go.
What is it?
I’m having a colonoscopy.
Why am I telling you?
Because if this is the year we start encouraging each other to put our health and wellness FIRST, then I need to be honest with you that I’ve been putting off this “thing” for a year, but I’m doing it today. So if maybe you’ve been putting off a skin check/Pap smear/mammogram/dental cleaning/meeting with a therapist/getting that blood pressure checked/WHATEVER, this is me encouraging you not to put it off. You know who you are and what appointment you should be making today, and I truly hope you do it.
Okay…but enough of that.
Here’s a quick little wrap up of what’s in my cart:
Let’s star with Trader Joe’s! Last year, I shared my TRADER JOE’S HAUL: MARCH EDITION which included this really great sunscreen. You can see the full haul HERE with many other March finds.
You can also catch my….
…FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO TRADER JOE’S as well as…
…my TRADER JOE’S GLUTEN-FREE FAVES.
I *try* to visit Trader Joe’s now about twice a month, but really and truly, I buy the bulk of my “main” groceries now from…
…Walmart+.
You guys, I don’t even understand how this amazing grocery delivery works. It’s like Walmart has magic fairies just waiting in the store for me to place my order so that they can quickly grab my items and rush them to my front door. Week after week, it happens. After a big long week away from home for spring break, the last thing I wanted to do was head to the actual store. No worries! My items were all delivered!
I have saved several thousands of dollars over the last year using this amazing service (and let’s be real, by not going into the actual store where I always end up putting *extra* things in my cart), PLUS, it’s also just gotten me out of so many jams. A kid comes home needing construction paper at the last minute for a project and yet, I have to drive two other kids somewhere else plus make a work call? No worries! Walmart delivers! Need a last minute dinner? Done! I’m sick/the kids are sick/I’m so swamped with life that I can’t leave the house to grocery shop? No worries! Walmart to the rescue. I’m telling you, I bet I use their app at least 2 or 3 times a week.
What do I typically order? Here are my family’s go-to items?
Yogurt
Bagged salads
Apples
Lemons
Bananas
Grapes
Avocados
Frozen vegetables
Gluten-Free bread (we really love the Hawaiian style g-free sandwich bread)
Nutella
Peanut Butter
Cereal
Snack sized bags of chips/popcorn/pretzels
Sugar/baking soda/baking powder/etc
Kind Bars
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Garbage bags
Gallon bags/snack bags/foil/parchment paper
La Croix or Bubbly
You get the gist? We basically get everything plus (because it’s Walmart), I can also get all of those random things you need like poster board, shampoo, batteries, etc as needed.
What do we pick up in person at our neighborhood store? Andrew and I like to buy our meats, cheeses, certain veggies (onions, garlic, potatoes), eggs, bacon, etc ourselves but since the bulk of our “main” items get delivered, these are quick, easy and quite pleasant stops at the grocery store.
So, that’s what’s in my cart. Needless to say, I didn’t get to eat anything yesterday, so I’m excited to eat later today after my appointment 😉 .
Now, I would love to know how you shop/what’s in your cart! I find this stuff always interesting! Please comment and share.
Coming up this year on Let’s Look…
Don’t forget, if you also blogged Let’s Look today, make sure you link up below.
Also don’t forget, if you need to make an appointment today, I’m here hoping you do! I’m sending you lots of love!
I’ll see you guys tomorrow! xx
Elspeth says
I don’t have a Trader Joe’s by me but whenever i visit one, i always stock up on fun treats!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Kelly Marie Sites says
Colonoscopies are seriously a breeze. Painless. The worst part is the prep, which really is gentle and not too bad. Bless you. Today is MAMMOGRAM day for me 🙂 Earlier this week was get my labs done for my physical day. 🙂
Alysa says
Do you buy organic fruits and vegetables? I struggle with Walmart’s limited organic section.
Good luck today!!
Mix and Match Mama says
These days, I’m pretty convinced many of those labels aren’t as “organic” and “natural” as they advertise and more a marketing ploy. I go back and forth on whether or not I “care” (I feel like there are so many books/podcasts with differing opinions on this subject), but generally my thought is (at least right now) if I’m not eating the outside (bananas, oranges, avocados, etc), I don’t really care. If I’m consuming the entire thing (berries, apples, etc), then I try to buy organic.
Julianna says
I love Walmart delivery! (And pickup- because sometimes with toddlers we just need to get out of the house but not actually get out of the car). We use it weekly and also on almost every vacation! How are the avocados you get from Walmart? Mine are usually super hard, so that is something I buy separately with fresh items. And I really like Walmart’s fresh salsas like their pico de gallo and Cantina brand.
Also, super random, but for THREE ORDERS in a row, Walmart forgot my bananas. It was the only thing missing in each order. It felt like a weird prank! Fortunately it hasn’t happened again since!
Natasha says
I turned 50 in 2022 and got all the “here’s how you can die of cancer” letters and “here are the free screenings you can do” to test for cancer. In January I got my first mammogram (thankfully negative) and today I’m getting a PAP smear. Here’s to no longer putting off these tests. I’m hoping your colonoscopy goes well.
Mix and Match Mama says
Good for you for being proactive!!!
Dana P says
Good for you, Shay! My husband did one last year and he had “adverse effects” to the prep and I’m terrified to ever do it now! BUT they did find a pre-cancerous polyp and removed it so I’m SO thankful that I insisted he do it, despite him being super resistant. Because of that, our kids now have to do it at 35. I’ve learned recently though that colon cancer rates just keep going up and up and at younger ages . Maybe this is the push I needed to do it myself. You made it out just fine, right?! 🥴
Mix and Match Mama says
It was absolutely fine! The prep wasn’t delightful, but it was easy enough and the procedure was so simple. I woke up feeling great and had the best day yesterday.
Martha Lea says
Thank you for sharing about your colonoscopy. We need to normalize preventative procedures fro women…especially the not so fun ones! I’ll take this as my notice to schedule my mammogram and pap. Best wishes!
Mix and Match Mama says
And to YOU!!!
Ashley says
Praying for your colonoscopy, Shay! Good for you on getting it done and inspiring others to stay up to date on all the important routine health appts too. 🙂 I loved seeing what’s in your grocery cart, I’ve heard Walmart+ is amazing. I go to Walmart super early in the mornings when I do my shopping and I’ve done the pickup where you drive there before, and that’s been helpful! I had fun linking up last month so I did it this month as well, I appreciate you and Erika for hosting this fun link up, I might be hooked now, haha!
Wishing you a wonderful rest of your week and a super yummy lunch/dinner after you’re all done!
Make Life Marvelous
Erin says
I don’t know how I functioned before Walmart+. I told my husband I would pay DOUBLE what they charge because it’s that valuable to me. Not going to the store is the biggest life hack of all time. We’ve been doing this since it first started. Game changing, people.
Mix and Match Mama says
GAME CHANGING! I would be lost without it now.
Holly Nail says
Thanks for being so honest. I’m sitting at my mammogram appt as I type this.
Mix and Match Mama says
GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Sending you so much love!
Sheaffer says
Walmart delivery is one of my favorite things EVER. I don’t know what in the world I would do without it or Amazon Prime.
Kay says
I’m so glad you shared this, good luck today, Shay! I had to put off my own colonoscopy as it conflicted with a vacation but I finally did it this year. And I’m so relieved it’s over. When I went to CVS to pick up my “special liquid” the day before, the amazing pharmacist told me she was so glad to see me getting my colonoscopy. She herself was battling colon cancer and she said she wished it on no one and was happy for people who keep up with these checks. Okay, I was for sure teary, but her kind face and message will forever stay with me. And it makes the annoying! prep just not seem that bad right? Hope you get a fabulous lunch after the procedure!
Lisa N says
I’m too far (by only a few miles) for Walmart delivery but my husband works right by Walmart and Sonic, so I order and he delivers groceries and a Coke Zero + vanilla:)
Easy and in time for grilling I suggest the J L Krafts Marinades-In-A-Bag, heavy duty zip loc bags you just throw meat in, no need to add anything else, except a hot grill. And all the Kinder brand sauces.
Also quick and easy from the frozen section, Birdseye Stir Fry and a box of frozen egg rolls cooked in the air fryer. Crazy easy.
Glad you are getting this dreaded appointment behind you and grateful you are so encouraging to all of us❤️
Oh and please direct me back to the post about having your Bible recovered. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well that is just so brilliant!
Kacey says
Bagged salad is always on my list. So versatile. My new favorite is Taylor Farms Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Salad. If you haven’t tried it, trust me, add to your cart asap! =)
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m totally going to try it! thank you for the rec!
Ruby Huling says
In the past 18 months, I’ve lost my 46 year old nephew and 40 year old niece to colon cancer and uterine cancer! It’s SO IMPORTANT to get those checkups even if you are a young adult!! Thank you for being so REAL to your followers.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, I am just so sorry. Those are devastating losses. Thank YOU for being an encouragement here to others.
Elizabeth says
Fun times. I just had my first one last week! Not terrible. Not the most fun but certainly not the worst thing either.
Katherine says
Hope your colonoscopy goes well! Mine is Friday, so I’m in the prep stages too–fun times! But as you said, it’s necessary to be preventative. We must set the best example for our children and show them firsthand we prioritize our own health as much as theirs.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES, YES, YES!! Good luck Friday!
K.K. says
Yay for encouraging us to take time to do the hard things!! And good for you for taking your steps too!
Andrea says
Happy Colonoscopy Day! I’ve had two, and they were so much easier than I was expecting. We are huge Peter Attia fans, and he is is so right about the need for more aggressive/frequent screenings to prevent colon cancer.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes and amen!!
Arika says
You’ve already done the hard part! The procedure itself is a breeze – you take a nice nap and it’s over. You did all the work ahead of time. Fingers crossed you’re all clear and they tell you that you don’t need another one for 5+ years.
Faith says
Sigh…….I’ve been putting off scheduling my colonoscopy for a year. I know it can be life saving and worth it but ugh, why can’t it be a more simple process?
Mix and Match Mama says
The procedure was so easy…prep, not great, but if you need to do it, then do it, friend!
Whitney says
The prep is the worst of it! Enjoy the nap 🙂
Anne says
I don’t do delivery or pick up bananas because they always show up bruised.
Next colonoscopy, if you don’t eat for 48 hours the prep is so much easier. And on the third day before, eat a low fiber diet. No whole grains, no fruit, no veggies.
Jenny N says
My husband and I both went and finally had our colonoscopy’s last year. It was the easiest thing ever and afterwards we kept wondering why we put it off for so long. People tell you all kinds of scary stores, but it is not bad at all. Yes, you have to drink a nasty drink and drink clear liquids he day before but it really isn’t that bad. The procedure only takes 15-20 minutes and were were in and out in a couple of hours and stopping to grab breakfast. I did have some bigger polyps so I have to go back in 3 years, but it is better than putting it off and having cancer. JUST DO IT!!
Allison says
You’ll be great! I had to have one last summer at the age of 39 (for a reason, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis after the colonoscopy, yay). But anyway I was so worked up about it, I cried in the waiting room like an idiot, and it ended up being nothing lol! Best wishes!
AliJ. says
First, good luck on the colonoscopy! I have to have one every 5 years (it used to be every 3 years) because of a family history of colon cancer (my sister was 36 years old when they discovered she had stage 3B colon cancer; she survived). So I’m very diligent about getting my colonoscopy in a timely manner! Just a tip that I tell people who have to have one and have to drink the awful stuff, get a Slushy/Mister Misty, whatever they call the drink in your part of the world, and drink the prep that way. It is much more palatable that way. I also eat a bland diet leading up to the prep and procedure. I’ve been doing it this way for 15 years and I’m always ready to go on the day of the colonoscopy.
What’s in my grocery cart? Usually lots of veggies and fruit. Always eggs; gallon of milk; some assortment of cheese; and lunchmeat. We buy our meat either at Costco or in bulk at our local grocery store so I don’t buy it too often. Now if my 15 year old daughter is home from boarding school, I’ll have about $100 worth of stuff that she takes back with her such as Ben and Jerry’s quart size ice cream; Bevita; Goldfish; pretzels; carrots; ranch dressing for the carrots; and cinnamon apple sauce. I swear she’s a 15 year old in a 90 year old’s body!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am SO thankful you’re diligent about your colonoscopies and even more thankful your sister is doing well. Praise the Lord!
Ramona Puckett says
Oh goodness! You’ll do well today and be good as ever later this evening. I really appreciate all you do for us and your family is adorable. ❤️
Natalie Lyles says
Egh. I made an appt for my annual (2year after cancelling🤣) pap. I have 2 girls and yet still get sweaty in that little paper gown. Sigh but I do have it on the books LOL … yay by time you read these posts you’ll have that colonoscopy all over 🙏
Traci Young says
I’m right with you Shay! I have my consultation for my first colonoscopy on 5/17…I’m very nervous about the whole thing! I will pray for you, and would love for you to pray for me! I have terrible anxiety over it! My sister and husband say the prep is the worst part! Praying for complete peace and comfort for you!
Mix and Match Mama says
The prep was no fun, Traci, but the actual procedure was a BREEZE! I woke up feeling like a million bucks and had a wonderful day yesterday post-procedure. You have this!! You’ll do JUST FINE!!
Leticia says
Good for you for getting your colonoscopy done. The prep isn’t fun but the actual procedure is a breeze and also knowing it’s done is a relief. And they can take care of small things right away!!
Lynn T says
I hope your procedure went well. I need to do that one too. I am 10 years older than you, so it’s way overdue. Maybe I’ll do it in June. You’re right don’t put It off, Thanks for the post
Elizabeth Feldpausch says
My hubby had his colonoscopy/endoscopy last week! I hope you were as entertaining afterwards for Andrew as he was for me 😆😆
I love grocery shopping but with 5 kiddos and running all over kingdom come, these days I’m going a lot of Kroger pick up/ delivery!
Erika Slaughter says
I’d be LOST without Walmart delivery! How’d we even manage going to the store with all those littles back in the day??
Heather says
Question: Do you go to a primary doctor to get a referral for a colonoscopy or what are the steps to get one done? I’m approaching 40 but heard most insurance won’t cover it at an earlier age unless referred. Thanks
Mix and Match Mama says
I went last year to the gastroenterologist for the first time about my poor gut health, and it was his recommendation for me to have a colonoscopy. I have been dragging my feet about it for 12 months, but finally after my annual visit with him in February, I put it on the calendar (a year later!). I did not need a referral to visit the GI the first time, but he did need to recommend the colonoscopy for me since I’m under 45.
Crystal says
Do you mind me asking what prep you had to do? I have had 2 and each time the prep was different?
Mix and Match Mama says
I did the pills…it was easy enough.
Crystal Langner says
Oh nice! I had to do gatorade and a mix the first time and finish in a certain time. Wasnt horrible. This past time in January it was 2 bottles of nasty cough syrup stuff and one and then another 9 hours later…it was terrible but after that it was smooth sailing.
Amanda says
Glad your colonoscopy went well. I’m having my 10th one next month. I have to have one almost every year due to my autoimmune disease. We’ve come a long way in the prep- now you can do miralax/Gatorade versus the first stuff they made you drink. The best thing is the good nap you get the next day! It’s so important to get these screenings.
Mix and Match Mama says
Goodness, that is a lot for you to do, but I’m so happy you are on top of it. Sending YOU so much love!
Susan K Culpepper says
I am so glad you got your colonoscopy. I too, put mine off and regret it, I am battling stage 4 Colo-rectal cancer and it stinks. It has now moved to my liver. I am 56 years old and it scares me to death. Please help spread the word, get screened. God Bless you and your precious family!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Susan, I am stopping to pray for you right now, and I will be adding you to my prayer journal for more prayers. Praying, praying! Please keep me posted on how you’re doing. I am praying, praying, praying for you!