Hey hey Thursday!
We are having an unseasonably cool summer here in North Texas which I am extremely grateful for.
That being said…
…one’s definition of “unseasonably cool” is all relative. Sigh.
I have a very eclectic mix of randomness for you today in our 10 RANDOM THINGS post.
Grab your coffee and settle in. Here we go:
10 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT:
10 random back to school lunch thoughts:
1: Thank goodness for Walmart+ delivery. Between the school supplies and the food, I have been using it even more than usual this month.
2: We try to get most of their food ready to go the night before so that we don’t have to mess with it early in the morning. So far, everyone has been on the ball (we’ll see how long that lasts).
3: Kensington has been having a wrap or sandwich every day with two extra things on the side (it always varies). Last week, she was making Caprese sandwiches, this week, it’s been grilled chicken Caesar wraps. She gets home pretty early (her school starts early), so she has a snack at home and doesn’t take one with her to school.
4: Smith takes protein powder, protein bars, a turkey sandwich or two and a Yeti filled with some sort of protein (chicken, beef, turkey) and rice. You can find the specifics HERE. Smith has the longest days. He leaves the house a few minutes before 4:30 AM and doesn’t get home until 5:30 or 6:00 (or later some days).
5: Ashby has been making sandwiches or salads for the bottom compartment and then adding fruit, hummus, etc to the top part. She has a long day at school too (she leaves at 6:15 and gets home around 5:00), so she brings a lot of snacks as well. Her snacks are more like peanut butter crackers, trail mix, and bars.
6: Mades has the shortest days. She always makes her own little lunch, and then will snack at home.
7: Everyone is always so happy to get their lunches together at the beginning of the school year. By the end of the school year, they’re basically eating a protein bar and bag of Lays. Sigh.
8: I think my kids are more likely to make/enjoy sandwiches when we use something besides sandwich bread. This school year, I’ve bought a variety of tortillas for wraps and bagels to use instead of regular bread. I think it makes their lunches more special/interesting.
9: My girls are all on a raspberry kick right now.
10: We bought a bag of pumpkin shaped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to add to lunchboxes this week. They were a big hit!
10 random finds from Hobby Lobby this week:
Because I do, and I should have a mug that says so.
Ashby loves to take tea in the car on the way to school. I thought these were super cute!
Yes please.
Mades is on a puzzle kick right now. The more “fall” it is the better.
I almost always buy my cupcake liners and toppers at Hobby Lobby. They always have a festive selection.
I love a tea light! These smell so good!
Every few years, I have to replace my little pumpkins because the battery operated lights will stop working. I bought a fresh set for this year.
A cozy pumpkin blanket for us to all fight over.
10 random thoughts on HRT:
1: The more books I read and the more podcasts I listen to, the more passionate I become about hormone replacement therapy.
2: I’ve been doing HRT now for about 12 years (I’m currently 43). I have “done it” a variety of different ways from patches to creams, pellets, and injections.
3: For me, injections have been the absolute best way to get my HRT. Not only is it simple (one shot), it’s very specific to me and what I need, and it doesn’t give me big swings (too high a dose or too low a dose).
4: I give myself an injection once a week.
5: At this point, it’s hard to say how I would feel if I weren’t on it (because I don’t know), but that’s always a question I receive. I have no idea how I would feel today without my HRT, but I can tell you that, despite my age and lack of reproductive parts, I feel fantastic. HRT affects so many things (sleep, energy, anxiety, sex drive, metabolic function, brain fog…the list is so long), and right now, I’m feeling really good.
6: Another common question I receive is about whether or not I ever have vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, other peri/menopausal symptoms), and the answer is no. I give HRT the credit for that too.
7: My very favorite podcast episode on this topic is Peter Attia’s The Drive episode #348. I have sent this episode to so many women I love.
8: I wish it was easier, less expensive and more widely available so that every woman had the option to get HRT.
9: You can read my posts on HRT HERE.
10: I am working my way through the book Estrogen Matters right now.
10 random things that are easier with teens:
1: Bath and bedtime. I miss so much about having littles at home, but geez, it’s certainly nice that they can get bathed and into bed on their own.
2: All chores. They can help with dinner, empty the dishwasher, take out the trash, pick up dog poop, break down boxes for the recycle bin, wash cars…I mean, they can do it all. It’s glorious.
3: I never was a huge fan of having to buckle kids into car seats. It was always like wrangling a boa constrictor.
4: They make their own food. I love feeding my family, but I also love that they can and do go into the kitchen and make their own easy meals and snacks when necessary.
5: They can drive! I love having my kids in the car with me. It’s the best, best, best time to chat (especially with tweens and teens), but goodness, when they can drive themselves places, it both eliminates a lot of the carpooling AND hectic schedules. Plus, they can also help drive other siblings places too.
6: Homework. It’s now so advanced that they don’t even ask me for help. They just know to go to tutoring at school/email their teacher. Whew! No more math for me!
7: They’re not as messy. There were many many years when I thought I would live in complete chaos forever, but then all of a sudden, they get big and get tidy. I mean, they’re still teens but they’re not dumping out 4000 Legos on the floor and then walking away anymore.
8: They get themselves dressed and ready for the day.
9: They do their own laundry…or if they don’t, well, that’s on them. They should have done it.
10: Meal times have always been one of my favorite times, but it’s even more fun when they’re teens. They’re funny, they’re chatty, they tell me all about their day in very specific details. It’s just a joy to have dinner with my teens. Plus, they eat a lot which is always rewarding after I’ve made them dinner.
10 random things I would take from Nantucket and bring to McKinney:
1: The summer weather.
2: The ocean.
3: The seafood.
4: The four distinct seasons.
5: The historical charm.
6: The way the air smells.
7: The small town feel.
8: So many amazing people.
9: Main Street.
10: The deer.
10 random recipes I seem to make on repeat this time of year:
4: EASY WEEKNIGHT SLOW COOKER TACOS
5: SIMPLE SAUSAGE, PEPPERS & ONIONS
6: FLOURLESS PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
9: BUTTERSCOTCH MAPLE NO BAKE COOKIES
And finally, I was going to do a “10 Random Things” list about my hair color because after Tuesday’s post, there are so so many DMs about it…but I couldn’t think of ten things. Ha!
If you have specific questions, drop them in the comment section, and I’ll answer them today.
Alrighty, I have an EASY WEEKNIGHT DINNER for you today too! Pop over HERE and check that out before you go.
Thursdays are my favorite days! I hope you enjoy yours. xx
Diane Moore says
Fun post!
My children are adults now, but I remember when I could keep my house clean – no toy corners, things dumped out and left. I love a tidy house.
Now, I keep my little grandchildren twice a week and the hardest part is the mess! 😂
Definitely worth it❣️❣️
Janice says
6:15 to go to school???????
Wow that sounds like a lot!
I don’t know any schools with that long a day.
And I’m a teacher.
Mix and Match Mama says
I bet your middle/high schools have athletics after school. It’s too hot here, so many of our athletics are before school (like cheer, cross country and football…my kids’ sports).
Faith says
Good morning, Shay!
I just had my fourth baby two weeks ago and per tradition my first outing was going to starbucks and then hobby lobby to enjoy their fall everything. I have already instilled a love for coffee and hobby lobby in my 3.5 year old daughter; she joined me and it was a special little outing. We also landed on the Spiced Cider candle and have been having fall inside the house while outside in Georgia insists on continuing to summer.
Hope that first crisp day comes soon for both of us!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwwww! Well first of all, CONGRATULATIONS! What a special little tradition. I wish I could have gone with you 🙂 .
Elspeth Mizner says
These posts are so of my favorites! Thanks for sharing with us!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Polly Pover says
Wow! Have you checked out videos of the beaches on Nantucket due to the hurricane? Mother nature is changing the landscape!
Mix and Match Mama says
I certainly have!
Emilee says
I’m certain I’ll miss having days with little kids at home, but I agree with you on bath time. It’s so fatiguing and I wind up looking like I sat in the Splash Zone at Sea World. 🤣
Jen W says
This made me laugh as I was just in the splash zone last night! How many times can you say “keep the water in the tub!”
MSB says
Thanks so much for acknowledging that (unfortunately) it’s hard for some women to access HRT! As a PCP at the VA, I prescribe it all the time, and my patients are shocked they can get it through us for free or a teeny copay! So it’s always worth asking. Also since main indication for it is hot flashes, it may help to mention those to your doctor specifically. 😉
Alyssa Norman says
Love this post. Thank you for sending quick pictures of lunches! It’s the thing I struggle with the most ( and I only have 2 in school.) it’s always helpful to see/ hear what others pack on lunches, and yours reminded me that simple is OK!
I also LOVE this list of things to love about kids getting older. Mine are all very little ( all under 7) so it’s nice to see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to some of those things ( the Legos all over the house is currently where I’m at 😉). Someday I’ll have a tidy home!
We’re gearing up for a cool down this weekend in Colorado and I’m SOOO excited to have a little taste of fall. Perfect timing to get me into the festive spirit.
Paula Hobbs says
This was a great post, especially about the kiddos. Babies are the sweetest, but things just hit different when their older!! It really is a great season to be in.
SS says
Shay,
I was wondering if you use tht YUKA app? We went to Sam’s last month and scanned all sorts of bars. It was very eye opening.we spent a little more and purchased a few different.nars and even a fruit twists. They have been a hit for snacks or bars even for a quick breakfast
I started turning to more making our own bread and rolls. They all taste so much better.
Tell your kiddos my raspberries are about to start again. It will be time to make some more jam. Our oldest has own house….but loves the jam his momma makes!!! This year we did a strawberry raspberry jam.
Mix and Match Mama says
I do have that app! It’s always SO interesting to use it!
Elizabeth S says
Best to leave the deer. They eat everything. I have even had them come up 3 steps on my front porch to eat my plants. Cannot plant pansies, that is a deer delicacy😳 hosted Jimmy salad bar.
Faith says
I’m 52 and put a Reese pumpkin in my lunch every day too. I “need” a piece of chocolate after lunch. 🤣
Mix and Match Mama says
I couldn’t love this more. They’re just better in shapes, right? So much better!
Allison says
LOL! Yes we all “need” a piece of chocolate! Love it!
Faith says
Oh and love the laundry comment – “if they didn’t, then they should have” 🙌🏻 I agree!
Michelle says
I love your lists. Just started HRT this month. My symptoms weren’t that bad but wanted to start. Omg how much chicken does Smith eat with the rice if the ground meat is 12 lbs for 10 meals. I hate to see your food bill with muscle growing boy!!
Mix and Match Mama says
He eats SO MUCH!
Gracie says
Shay,
Goodness where do I even start! Your blog has been a daily staple for me for the last 12 years or so and it just brings me so much joy! I got teary yesterday reading your back to school post, seeing how big your kids are getting and realizing my daughter (who wasn’t even born when I started reading your blog) is headed to middle school next week. And then today, your 10 random things were just so fun and light and just perfect. Basically, I just want you to know how thankful I am for your blog, for the little glimpses of your life, and for being the “a little bit ahead of me” mom that I pretend is actually a friend who gives me advice ☺️
Praying a special blessing over you and your family! ❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
Well gosh, I have chills! Goodness this means a lot. Thank YOU for showing up here. If I didn’t have amazing ladies like you showing up each day, I couldn’t/wouldn’t be here myself. I am so humbled and honored by your words. Thank you. xx
sandi says
Fun random post with a random question… crock pot recommendations. 27 years ago I was gifted a crock pot brand crock pot that lasted about 22 years until it cracked. Purchased the same brand a few years ago and the coating on the crock (because it is not as well made) is peeling off. I was hunting and pecking at previous posts trying to remember the brand you have. It is ridiculous that the quality of these brands has decreased so much.
Our house on the Virginia coast was shaking last night and the waves this morning are super rough. Someone else mentioned watching drone footage of waves and from the OBX on up our beaches are taking a beating.
Mix and Match Mama says
I AGREE!! I still use my original slow cooker from my wedding shower (22 years ago!) all the time. I also have an All Clad that I purchased a few years ago, but my oldie but goodie slow cooker still looks brand new. They just made the inserts so much better back then. My All Clad is great! It’s what I would recommend buying today.
Jennifer Bethune says
I’m so thankful for the post you originally did about HRT and Dr. Riegel! I eventually did reach out to him and have now been on HRT for several years. It was a game changer for me. Having PCOS, I don’t think I felt the way I was supposed to until I started the hormones and everything was balanced in my body. So so thankful! Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so happy it was a game changer for you too!
Amy says
I have thought very seriously about contacting Dr. Reigal. Do you live in Zoe as and go to an office to see him or do you do telehealth? Just wondering because I live in Oklahoma.
Brooke says
I love your list of things that are easier with teens! That’s the kind of thing we mamas with little ones want to hear. 😃
Sheaffer says
I’m so impressed with K’s and A’s lunches!
Amy says
Holy moly what is Smith doing at school for 12-14 hours a day?!?! I assume sports/lifting/etc is included but wow, long days for him!
Mix and Match Mama says
Their school district has longer days in general to give them more days off during the year…so when you add football practice and football meetings plus lifting on either end of the day…plus a 30 minute commute each way, it’s a long day. He has never once complained though. He’s really happy (which makes me so happy!).
Amy says
That’s fantastic! Especially if it means more days off during the year!
Kay says
I love these types of posts! My teens are 15, 17, 19 and one thing I realized is so much easier this year…back to school clothes shopping! I used to have to take all three somewhere for try ons, etc, and now even my youngest just showed up with new clothes after a day of shopping with his friends in Boston. SO EASY! And I know they like everything as they picked it, so less returns and convincing them to keep something they don’t like but need :).
And yes to HRT! Everyone should obviously do their own research but I was experiencing symptoms at age 47 or so (I’m now 49) and taking HRT has made me a much better happier version of myself.
Laci says
I love having teenagers! Yes, I worry and have anxiety, but overall they are wonderful to have around! They are funny, they get all my jokes and have some of their own, they are truly a joy!
Tera Knepp says
Completely agree about HRT. I’m an OBGyn NP and provide pills, patches, creams, and insert pellets for patients. I’m 46, naturally menopausal since 41. I see all the memes on social media about perimenopause & think “It doesn’t have to be that way, ladies!” I feel great!
We visited Nantucket the first weekend of August- your last weekend there. The weather on Saturday & Sunday was swoon worthy & made me wish all weekends were like that weekend!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU for sharing!!! I am so very grateful for it! I am also so happy you enjoyed Nantucket. It is such a special place. xx
SKeeter says
Well, now I’m on my way to Hobby Lobby!!
Holly C. says
Love these posts and you Shay, for keeping it real and honest…
Elizabeth L says
Shay! Do you not have any grey hairs?! I have so many greys I had to start going from my natural brown all the way blonde (in my late 20s sadly) because it is waaaaay easier to disguise them when they grow in. Otherwise I would be getting my hair colored every 4 weeks and who has time for that with 2 little kids!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have no idea, but I bet I do. My hair has so much color on it, that I don’t even know what color it really is. If I don’t have them now, I’m sure they’re coming…and I’ll have to deal with them. Sigh.
Darcy says
Really enjoy your packing lunch inspiration. I’m trying to be better about packing a healthy lunch for myself during the work day and Kensington is inspiring me! What type of bread is she using for the caprese lunch? I’m trying to get away from having peanut butter and honey sandwiches! I made an orzo salad this week with the tiny marinated mozzarella balls from Trader Joe’s and then added fresh corn, cherry tomatoes and arugula and have enjoyed so much with grilled chicken and then salmon. I felt like I was channeling my inner mix and match mama in combining various orzo recipes to come up with this one that is now my favorite and so easy to make…and then keeping it fresh by pairing with grilled chicken the first night and then salmon the next! So appreciate the continued inspiration…and helping me to ease into pumpkin season…I’m more of spring/summer person!
Mix and Match Mama says
She went to the bakery and bought it herself! I think it’s a rosemary bread? It’s not “plain old bread”. She bought a loaf, and they sliced it for her. I LOVE your suggestions! Thank YOU so much for sharing!
Brooke says
I am 6 months post op from my hysterectomy and have been diving into learning about HRT, which I am taking. Thank you so much for recommending the Peter Attia’s podcast. I found it so interesting and have sent it to several ladies myself. I feel like it is hard to find information specifically for women that no longer have ovaries after a hysterectomy. I think I remember that you no longer have them either. I would be really curious to know if you feel like “Estrogen Matters” speaks to that specifically in any way.
I really appreciate your part in helping to educate women on HRT. You should be proud of that.
Mix and Match Mama says
Man, I wish there was more out there for women who are surgically-post menopausal. I 100% think there is a big gap in research and information for us. I had a full hysterectomy as well, which means that when I read/listen to all of this information, I have to sort it for me as it almost always speaks to women with reproductive organs. It’s tricky. I haven’t gotten very far into Estrogen Matters, but I am having to read it through the lense of “me” and not “most women”. I sure wish we had more specific info for us.
Erin Howe says
What age were your kids when they started being solely responsible for doing their own laundry?
Mix and Match Mama says
Hmmmm…I’m sure we tried making it their responsibility earlier (but still stepped in and helped), but I would say high school was when we made it “solely” their responsibility.
Erika Slaughter says
I never would have guessed I’d love a house of teens as much as I do! For moms of littles, it just keeps getting better!
Anne says
What does Ashby have next to her cheese crackers?
Mix and Match Mama says
Carrots, hummus, blueberries, crackers, and Oreos 🙂 .
Rebecca C says
Thank you, Shay — I absolutely loved this post! My little girl starts 1st grade on Monday, and I’ve been feeling a bit nervous about planning her lunches. We’ve been working on trying new foods this summer but introducing them can still be a challenge. At what age did your kids start packing their own lunches? All of their lunches looked so delicious! I’d love to hear more lunch inspiration as the year goes on and the seasons change: )
I’m heading back to school next week and always love getting new lunch ideas — it’s my 14th year as a Special Ed teacher!
Also, I’d love to see your Walmart grocery list for some inspiration! I’m so glad the school year is off to a great start for your family. I just ordered a bunch of hair goodies from your last Amazon post — thank you for sharing those!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well goodness, God bless YOU! What a blessing you must be for your sweet students! I hope you and your sweet girl have the BEST school year!
Tricia says
Hi Shay, could you please share a video of how you curl your hair? Or re-link if you already have one? I bought that curling iron and would love to see your steps / tips to achieve those gorgeous curls!
Mix and Match Mama says
I need to do an updated one!
Kelly says
The teen years were my favorites with my three now 20 somethings. So much fun! Since you have done both pellets and testosterone injections, is the battle with extra hair growth the same with both? I’ve done pellets for the past three years and I absolutely love the way I feel, but I am honestly getting really tired of all of the body/facial hair maintenance. Not to mention the expense of laser hair removal indefinitely. I have been considering exploring other options and am curious about your experience if it’s not too personal.
Mix and Match Mama says
My honest opinion is that everyone is very different and it’s very bio-individual because pellets were my least favorite way to get my HRT (by a mile). I tried laser hair removal years and years ago (maybe like 12 years ago), and it did not work for me at all, so I don’t mess with that. I shave my legs every single day because I just cannot get into bed without shaved legs (I’m so weird), but other than that, I don’t think I’m experiencing abnormal/rapid hair growth more now than if I weren’t on HRT. I’ve been on it so long that I don’t know what is “HRT” and what is “normal”. I will say this, I didn’t notice any changes going from pellets to injections.
Lori Sawyer says
Another fun sandwich idea- King’s Hawaiian Rolls! I know they aren’t the healthiest bread option but they make the yummiest, most fun mini sandwiches! My kids always loved a few of those in their lunch!
Mix and Match Mama says
That is a GREAT idea!!
Aileen says
Number 7 under the teens section made me laugh – I am still in the 4,000 legos dumped on the floor stage with a 6 and 7 yo, haha. Could you share sometime how you approached giving chores and getting your teens to do their own laundry? I know mine are still a little young for some of those things but would love to be moving in that direction. 🙂 Thanks Shay, happy almost fall!
Mix and Match Mama says
I wish I had a list of concrete “ways”, but honestly, we just started small and it built from there. When they were younger (like Mades’ age), they thought it was fun/cool/so big to do their laundry. That quickly fades and then it becomes a chore…now though, Kensington prefers to do hers as she does it exactly how she likes it. I would start by having them organize the clean laundry into piles (undies, pjs, shorts, etc) and then after they get the hang of that, have them put away things that don’t need to be folded and then move on to things that need to be hung…my kids were doing this when they were six and seven (sorting and piling and slowly putting things away).
Sara says
Sorry for the late question. I’m getting caught up on your posts. What weather app is that on your Apple watch picture?
Mix and Match Mama says
I think it’s just the basic one? I just added the “weather” widget from the Apple Watch app on my phone.
Sara says
Thank you! I like how it shows the “feels like” cause man, the actual temp is normally not what it actually feels like 😜