Happy Thursday, friends!
Well, I feel like everyone loved yesterday’s posts on SUPPLEMENTS and MY FAVORITE PROTEIN SMOOTHIE which made me so so happy! You guys, I get excited about our “Wellness Wednesdays” every single week 🙂 .
Today though, I have two more posts that I hope you enjoy as well.
First up, I am sharing my thoughts on “savoring” carpooling and/or commuting and then I have our first “spring” outdoor post because I realized that my patio furniture was on major sale (um, 66% off!), so I thought, I’d share that again along with a few other really good sales for your upcoming season HERE too.
Variety for everyone this week 🙂 .
Alrighty, this is post #2 in my new series SAVOR…
…because I am A BIG believer in this statement right here.
A few weeks ago, I shared how I SAVOR MY MORNING RITUALS and today, I’m talking about HOW I SAVOR CARPOOLING/COMMUTING.
Here’s the deal, you know that I love alllllll of the books/podcasts that help us really appreciate the ends and outs of every little detail of life. You know, the resources that encourage readers/listeners to make the most mundane things enjoyable. Well, I’ve morphed in to that person myself because I now get excited about my carpooling/commuting time 🙂 .
I’m going to share a few little things I do to make that time in the car more enjoyable, and then I really really hope you guys share too! I don’t think any of these things I’m sharing today are new/original ideas, I think it’s just realizing that even the most basic chores can be productive/pleasant/enjoyable/FUN if we prepare in advance and take time to savor them.
Here’s how I SAVOR MY CARPOOLING/COMMUTING:
#1: I ENJOY THE MOMENTS WITH MY KIDDOS
Since I don’t drive to work, all of my time in the car is around these four kiddos and their schools/schedules/activities. Kensington now drives herself to school, which means, I miss out on a ton of time with just the two of us in the car. You guys, that time is oh so special. My kiddos are typically never more chatty than when we’re in the car together, and I miss that time with Kensington so much. Any time my kids are in the car, I try really hard to make it about them. We don’t watch TV or devices in the car, I try not to talk on the phone to other people (friends/family/clients) when they’re in the car, it’s about them. Some days, they’re talkative and other days, they’re not…but either way, I savor this time with them.
Before I can offer any other “ideas”, I had to acknowledge that if you’re a mama of young kiddos who feels like all you do is drive them around all day long, YOU DO and one day YOU WILL MISS IT. Even if you’re just listening to one of their radio stations or their podcasts, do it. Listen and enjoy it together. That car time is so special.
Now typically, I have my kids one direction, and then they’re dropped off and I’m on my own the other direction (or vice versa if I’m picking them up), these are ways I savor those car rides when it’s just me, myself and I…
#2: IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO DRINK SOMETHING
I always bring a drink with me when I’m driving around. For instance, on the mornings when I take Smith to school, it’s a 30 minute commute each way. I always purposely bring along coffee in the car, but I save it until after I drop him off. Knowing I have a hot cup of coffee waiting for me on the 30 minute drive back to McKinney makes me oh so happy. It makes me look forward to driving back.
Since Madeley’s school includes waiting in the carpool line, I always have at least 30 minutes each afternoon between driving/waiting which is an excellent time for me to bring…
…my favorite protein smoothie 🙂 . Instead of just standing in the kitchen and drinking it or sitting at my desk, I save it for the “commute” which makes it extra indulgent. Some days, I bring…
…my creatine with me and other days, I just bring my Stanley filled with water, but I almost make it a game to see how much of it I can drink before I get back home. There aren’t a lot of health benefits to driving around which is why I take the opportunity to “hydrate” and make a mundane task at least somewhat beneficial (and enjoyable!).
Another thing I’ve gotten really good at doing is…
#3: SAVE YOUR FAVORITE PODCASTS
Now, I purposely save my favorite podcast episodes for my time alone in the car. I used to listen to them while I did chores around my house or made dinner, but now, I save my very favorites for that time alone in the car and holy cow, that makes me so excited for any sort of “commute”.
This is new for me in 2025, but I decided to…
#4: WORK ON A SKILL
…sign up for Slow News in French. Have you heard of this website before? You sign up and listen/learn to other languages share the news at different speeds. I decided to work on my French when I’m in the car by just listening (you can purchase an audio-only or a full interactive membership) to this website.
Whether you want to practice a foreign language or learn/hone an entirely different skill, commuting is a great opportunity for that. I don’t listen to audiobooks, but I would suggest this is a great time to catch up on your latest book too 🙂 . Anything you can “savor” while you drive.
Okay, these next two ways to savor I’m adding to this post because along with being in the car, for me, comes waiting on my kiddos…
#5: READ, READ, READ WHILE YOU WAIT
You guys, I always bring my Kindle with me when I’m driving around picking my kids up from things. I get a lot of reading in while I’m sitting in my car. I find it much more productive than aimlessly scrolling my phone. If you’re not a reader, might I suggest this waiting time be the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy your beverage of choice and binge watch a show? I think it’s about arriving prepared and excited about what you’re going to read/watch. I don’t know about you, but I never feel like time scrolling is time well spent.
Side note, for one sport in particular, when I pull up and wait on my kiddo, I often park next to this other mother who has an entire office set up in her car. I am LEGIT impressed with how she savors/spends her time. She has this portable desk-like thing that she pulls on to her lap and then I see her with her laptop and coffee and well, I’m impressed. This is a mama maximizing her time and showing up prepared. I love it!
Finally…
#6: GET OUT OF THE CAR
Often during my carpool/commute time, I’ll come prepared with my Airpods and sneakers, and I’ll walk while I wait. Instead of pulling up and reading while I wait, I’ll get out of the car and “get my steps in”. This photo above was me walking around the lake after I dropped Smith off to row crew. I enjoyed chatting with my boy in the car and then my podcast and coffee on the way home, plus, I had a nice walk in between. Talk about turning a 45 minute commute to the lake early on a Saturday morning into something to savor! I don’t dread that car trip, I look forward to it!
So, those are just a few little things I do to savor my time in the car. I would LOVE to hear what you do!! Please, please, please share because I know many of you COMMUTE big time every day, and I’m positive that you have some great ideas for a more inspiring/joy-filled car experience.
Okay, one post done, make sure you head over and check out a few other really good sales for your upcoming season HERE too.
Happy commuting, friends! xx
Jess S says
I LOVE this, and I love using the dedicated time as family time!!! I swear we have a karaoke dance party while we’re driving at least three times a week to the point that I’m guessing people at stop lights are starting to recognize us. 😂
This past year I’ve also been using the alone time in the car to call some of our relatives that we don’t get to see as often. My aunt in Florida and my spouse’s cousin in California are retired and have a slightly more flexible daytime routine to chat. It feels good to be able to have little “visits” and check in on loved ones.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwwww! I love this so much!
Elspeth Mizner says
I like to use my time in the car by listing to podcasts or calling friends that i haven’t talked to in a while. A feat way to make the time by fast
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Samantha Harris says
Love this post. I think it’s so important to find the joy in all the little moments that make up our day. Attitude really is everything – I’m in the midst of feeling like I live in my car driving my kids to all the things so this was a great post to read. Now off to the car, haha! Happy Thursday!
Laura says
Love this! I have a long work commute 2 days per week and *savor* my audiobook time- for a while I used that time for work calls but I’ve stopped that 🙂
While waiting in carline, I try to use that time to listen to an audiobook as I clear out my phone (deleting trash photos or responding to texts I’ve been procrastinating on).
Vicky says
Thank you for this reminder! It’s just made me reconsider the time I spend waiting while my daughter is at her dance class. Usually I go for a walk for about half an hour, but I tend to view it as ‘killing time’. Today’s post has really made me think that I could completely reframe that and view it much more enjoyably and positively! Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Thank YOU for sharing! xx
Kelly Sites says
I love all of the above ways to savor a car ride- but also, LOVE LOVE turning on worship music and singing to Jesus. And also having amazing quality prayer time while I drive. That’s the time I can really pray for my long list of prayer needs for my friends, family, etc. Try it one way on your drive.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!! I love this!!
Debbie Hibbert says
I have just one day each week when I pick up my niece from school. I’ve turned that wait into my weekly purse clean out time. I also keep a duster thingy under the car seat, so any extra time is spent dusting the car dash, etc. Two things I dislike doing, but they don’t seem so bad when I’m just waiting anyway!
Mix and Match Mama says
WELL THIS IS BRILLIANT!
Erin says
A big one for me while driving is prayer, worship or listening to sermons. For me, knowing that I can commit that mundane/not exciting time to Jesus, redirects me to gratitude and the knowing that it’s not time wasted.
Prayer and worship is not something that we need to do seated in our morning quiet time only. Truly following Christ is to have Him in the center of everything. Cause He literally is anyways. Colossians 1.
Mix and Match Mama says
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Allison says
I NEEDED this post today, THANK YOU! I found I loved dropping my boy off at Dowell through the winter this past winter because 7th grade boys basketball practices at 6:30 am. I realized why I loved it, it’s because I’m a morning person and I loved that early dark cozy time just me and my boy even though it’s not a far trip lol. You’re right, they’re chatty in the car! Now that baseball season is starting for both my boys, I VERY. MUCH. DISLIKE driving them all around McKinney and Frisco in the evenings for practice because I am dead tired after work, and traffic and lights are irritating. I will change my mindset as I know they’re getting older and try some of your tips. Thank you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, yes, yes! I would rather drive my kid anywhere at 6:30 AM than anywhere on 380 or Virginia after 5:00. 😉
Kelli says
I loved this post! I recently shared with my girlfriends that this is the hardest and yet the sweetest season with a 13, 15, and 16 year old who don’t drive independently yet. We are going in all of the directions several times a day! I remember hearing older mamas say “I live in the car”…and now I understand. Being intentional with the one on one time with a kiddo, and also being excited about the little blurbs of alone time scattered amidst a crazy day have been key in finding joy and balance in this season of parenting! Thanks for a great post!
Tamara R says
I love, love, love this post! So many great ideas. The slow news in French may be my favorite. I am definitely trying that! I used to return work calls when driving but lately I have been listening to podcasts and it really makes me look forward to the commute. Also I so miss the time in the car with the kids, it’s crazy how that changes in the blink of an eye. ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Friend, you should totally try News in Slow (insert the language!)!
Beth Valenta says
Great way to look at this as time well spent. My main change when running errands, etc. it to make meanigful check in phone calls. I call my mom, a retired teacher friend I miss, my inlaws who leave far from us. It is a time to let them know I am thinking about them, and a productive drive.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, I just love that, Beth!
Becky G. says
I drive my freshman son to school each morning. That 25 minutes in the car with him is priceless. I know I won’t have that time with him forever so I savor it!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES! Savor every single minute. xx
Alyssa Norman says
First, I just love these types of posts. There’s something about hearing how other people do everyday things to improve them and make them better that’s so incredibly inspiring! I don’t love the time I spend in my car because it always seems like someone is crying or fighting but this made me stop to think that maybe there are things to savor! Like talking to my mom for 20 minutes after I drop my kid off, or listening to Chronicles of Narnia on Audiobook for the 4th time because my 6 year old is obsessed. As always, thanks for sharing ❤️ and for always reminding me that I can be better/ do better/ live better!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, I just loved reading about your routine too 🙂 .
Ashley Royer says
I miss those carpool moments! I only listen to my audiobooks when I’m driving to and from work, it makes it so much more enjoyable! It also makes me less fussy about traffic. 😉
Karen says
Thanks for sharing these ideas, Shay! We have been spoiled with all of our kids in one school that is close by. I’ve been a little anxious knowing that our commute time will increase with my oldest starting middle school next year. It truly is all about perspective and this is already helping me to embrace the changes to come, including longer drive times with multiple drop offs and pick ups each day!
Megan Bowen says
I was so eager for my daughter to drive and then missed her so much once she did and I didn’t drive her anymore. We try once a week to sync our weekday schedule and ride together so we can have that extra time together. She is so much more talkative in the car than at home and I missed that so much.
Leslie S says
I use my carpool waiting time to do The Bible Recap on days when my morning time didn’t go as planned, Sudoku when my mind is busy and doesn’t want to relax, reading is always top of my list of favorites, productive time to handle things my to do list like making appointments or ordering groceries, target, etc bc having too much on my list stresses me out, and checking in with my parents a couple times a week.
Autumn says
I love this! Do you happen to have any podcasts that you would recommend to enjoy with your kiddo? I have a 13 year old son and often times, our afternoon commute is when we both need to “decompress” from our day and a podcast might be enjoyable for us both!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ashby loves any sort of true crime podcast. That’s our *thing* when we’re in the car. We get giddy to get back in and continue listening to an episode. You should try that!
Elizabeth S. says
My kids are grown but I do miss those carpool days. I listen to podcasts and am so glad you put us on to Everyday Wellness which lead me to Zoe. I get so much good information from Zoe. Thank you for your new wellness Wednesday posts.
Laura @ Our Grand LIves says
You are so right, Shay… one day you will miss those hours in the car with your kids! I remember when our daughters were in competitive dance as teens (many years ago – they are 26 and 31 now!), my husband and I would actually both want the pick up shift after dance class ended at 9:00. It was our time with each girl, one on one, and, if we were quiet for a few minutes, they’d usually start talking about their day and it’s bright moments and challenges. It was such quality time together! I’ll always cherish those moments!
Jen L. says
My commute to work is about 45 minutes one way. I listen to a podcast or playlist on the way there and then usually try to catch up with a friend or family member on the way home. Some days I drive in total silence just to relax. 20 plus years ago, my commute was 35 miles one way and the drive could take one hour to 90 minutes. (Thank you Chicago traffic). It would have been so much better if I had Spotify back then. Once my first child was born, I quit that job because I could not do an 10+ hour day with a baby. And now, no way could I go back to that kind of commute!
AliJ says
Great post! I agree, that once your kiddo can drive themselves, or in my case, is at boarding school, you miss that time with them in the car. That’s when we’ve had some of the best conversations.
I drive into work twice a week; it’s an hour each way. Some people think it is awful but I’ve been doing it for almost 20 years. I enjoy that two hours a day in the car where I can listen to what I want to (sorry Taylor Swift!) or talk to my husband or BFF. It’s the only time where I am just by myself and can enjoy the moment.
As you know when you live in a house with multiple people, alone time is a premium.
Evan M says
My youngest son has a sports practice on a weekend morning. My oldest likes to stay at home so my husband and I use this time to have a little breakfast date while our son is at his practice. It’s such a nice time to just sit together and talk about anything while enjoying a slower pace because there’s nowhere to rush to.
Such a great reminder to reframe these tasks in our heads to be enjoyable time rather than time that we must get through in order to get to something else.
Erika Slaughter says
WHAT??!! Nixon is going to LOVE listening to the news in slow Spanish tomorrow!
Mix and Match Mama says
I AM LAUGHING OUT LOUD! Dead. I am dead. We need them to make News in CAD too 😉 .
Jennifer says
I always let my kids choose what music we listen to when I have them in the car. If it’s all 3 of them they have to take turns choosing songs:) But sometimes they talk nonstop and I just try to keep up! And if we have a doctor/dentist/orthodontist appointment I always get them Chick-fil-a on our way back to school. Makes them look forward to appointments more.
Kim says
Shay I had a funny flashback while reading this…on several occasions the parent in front of me had dozed off in the car pickup line and I would have to give a little tap on the horn when the line started moving, one day a dad had fallen asleep so deeply that all the cars just went around him! Who knows how long he slept??!!! 😂
Mix and Match Mama says
That is SO FUNNY!
Elizabeth Hadley says
I love this! I am such a big believer in savoring the little moments and how those little decisions can make or break your day! When I used to commute to school on a train every day, I would always have my playlist for the drive to the train, my book for the train and a coffee shop waiting for me when I got off the train! It just made it so much better and more enjoyable!
Debbie Dunbar says
I agree that savoring the time with kiddos in the car is so valuable. We have them captive- use the time! When I am alone, I listen to books, my Bible chapters, or I pray. Depends on time of day, etc. I have a 30 minute plus commute so I use it wisely! Otherwise, I would waste so much time.
Jeanette says
I miss taking my children to school and picking them up. That car time was very special. I didn’t have cell phones for the majority of that time (they weren’t around 😂), definitely no podcasts either. Once the phone came into the picture, I used the alone time to catch up with my mom or a friend. I know you are very busy as a wife, mother, and business owner so I’m curious when you have time to connect with relatives and friends?
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a great question. I feel like I chat with “my people” many times throughout the day versus one long call. For instance, it’s 8:03 AM, and I’ve already talked to both my dad and my mom separately and Erika three times. Plus, I’ve already been on a 3.5 mile walk with my friend Lauren as my “activity” for the day. So, I would say for me, shorter snippets typically are when we chat/connect. (I do it a lot when I’m folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher, etc).
Nicole says
When I have to pick up my kids from after school practices, the traffic is TERRIBLE! I would get so irritated that a 15 minute drive took almost 45. But when I switched from listening to the radio to listening to a podcast, I was so much calmer. Apparently listening to people talk instead of sing is my key to being calm
~B~ says
Oh how this post spoke to me! As someone who has commuted for many years now, I have found so many ways to try and make the most of my commute time. My work at times has been stressful and the commutes are such a good time to decompress before I am home with my family. A favorite podcast (I always save my favorites for my drive), my music, or a book on Audible – all things that bring me joy during that time. You also brought back so many memories of how I used to so enjoy that time between drop off and pick up with the kids activities when it didn’t pay to go back home. Those little bits of time were some of my favorites, especially when the weather allowed me to go for a walk! This is probably because I didn’t feel like I should be/could be doing anything else = can’t be loading the dishwasher or doing a load of laundry while I’m waiting! It’s a great way to get in some take-care-of-you time! 😊
Bethany says
You’re right, the season of driving kids to school is a blessing! As much as it gets crazy and sometimes we have to have a “quiet car” time, I truly know these are the years we will look back on and treasure. When I’m all alone, I enjoy a mix of Dateline and worship music.🤗
Karen says
When I used to drive my kids to school, back in the late 80s and in the 90s, it turned out that the public radio station had “Star Date “episodes at a set time of the drive. We learned about constellations and characteristics of different stars and it was fascinating to all of us. Now that my kids are in their 40s, we still bring it up. I used to check out kids’ music audiocassettes from the library and we would listen to “imagination station “episodes and also song tapes. My daughter claims that that’s where she learned how to sing harmony, by us taking turns who would do the melody and who would do the harmony for the songs.
Nowadays, I save listening to “Hidden Brain “for once a month, when I color my gray hair! I do not do this while driving.
Mix and Match Mama says
Wow! I love this so much!!
Emily says
This school year I have been sitting in 2 carpool lines for after school pickup…while the baby naps I have a coffee from home or sparkling water and listen to an audiobook. I’ve also become an open mug in a minivan mom which I once swore I’d never do 🤣
Stacy says
link the desk sometime please!