Friday Thoughts
Friends! Hi.
It’s been a long while since I’ve checked in with a Friday Thoughts post, and I’ve really missed you! I’m determined to bring back Friday Thoughts with more regularity since they are some of my favorite posts to write (and to read your comments on!).
How are you? Like, really, HOW ARE YOU?
The last few months have been a whirlwind around here. I’m sure many of you feel the same way.
Here are five things that have been on my mind, and as always, I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Life Lately
It has finally warmed up here, which means the pastures and grass are growing like crazy and we are spending a lot of time outside (weeding – SO.MANY.WEEDS).
Our fruit trees are blooming, and we just planted five more! (And by we, I mean Brian.) We already have two apple, two plum, three peach and a cherry. Now we also have two pear trees, another cherry, two apricot and one nectarine.
I have zero words of advice about growing fruit trees. Our soil is lousy. But we’re learning as we go, and hopefully this year our established fruit trees will reward us with some actual fruit (not eaten by wasps and earwigs!).
This spring has been crazier than I expected. Life certainly has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. A few months ago, Brian’s position at work was unexpectedly eliminated. It definitely wasn’t something we were prepared for, but we have seen so many unique blessings come our way in the midst of it, including opportunities for Brian to start working for himself, which is something he has always wanted to do.
Within the first few days of Brian being home full-time and experiencing the to-do lists I was leaving for him as a way to “help” him keep busy during the interim of finding new employment, he politely but firmly declared he wanted a new boss. 😂
I’m grateful, more than ever, for this blogging space. I genuinely love being here because I get to interact with you, but this blog also helps provide financially for our family (which is a huge blessing right now). I’ve been intensely working on a few additional blog projects the last couple of months, and thanks to some deadlines, I don’t think I’ve ever been this sleep-deprived in my life! I think I’m seeing light at the end of the tunnel, which is good, because my kids need their mom back in non-zombie form.
As for the kids, they are busy as ever with spring sports, lining up summer jobs, working on the property (now that the weeds are growing faster than we can pull them), buying more cows at the cattle auction to raise, and all the other ups and downs and ins and outs of kid/teen life, including NEW TEENAGE DRIVERS. Pray for me.
We’ve also officially entered the phase of figuring out how to parent a young adult. Since I don’t even have the teenager chapters figured out yet, I feel like someone should probably come take my parenting license away?? 😉 I do NOT feel qualified to do this. My fake it ’til you make it motto is holding strong.
Hair Loss
Thanks to a combination of aging, thyroid issues, stress and who knows what else, my hair is STRUGGLING. I’ve never had overly thick, luscious hair, but it’s definitely thinner than ever, especially along my part line.
Just like anything health-related, google searches leave me overwhelmed (and kind of alarmed – wow, some of the proposed solutions are intense 😳).
My thyroid levels and blood work are all normal right now. I also tried Nutrafol after hearing so much about it, but I stopped taking it after a few weeks because it really upset my stomach (I think due to the biotin, which tends to make my stomach feel not so great).
Anyway. Just another fun side effect of my 40’s. Yay!
If you have any tips to share on helping thin, struggle-bus hair, I’d love to hear them!
Workout Love
Last year, I started following a weight lifting program, Sadie Active App, after seeing a friend post about it. I’ve always been *fairly* decent at moderate exercise, but I wanted to start implementing more weight training, which I’ve only done sporadically over the years. (This is completely unsponsored, I pay for my own monthly membership.)
I am hooked! This is by the far the best workout program I’ve ever done (here is Sadie’s Instagram account if you want to learn more). I’ve been doing the weight training workouts on the app since September, and I feel stronger than ever.
The thing I love most is that the app tells me exactly what to do, how many times to do it, and has videos to show the proper form. No guess work, which is exactly what I need. Also, the workouts are different every week, which is great for my personality that gets bored with repeated workouts really easily.
You can choose the “gym” setting or “home” setting. I’m mentally allergic to working out in public, so I always exercise at home. I don’t have an official home gym, just some random exercise equipment stuffed up in our bonus room.
I prefer to set the app to the “gym” setting and do the exercises at home, modifying the exercises to work with my minimal equipment.
A few key pieces of equipment I use for home workouts. The links below are affiliate links from Amazon; shop around locally or elsewhere online for the best prices.
- adjustable dumbbells
- thick booty bands (Sadie uses these a lot in the exercises)
- thinner loop exercise bands
- resistance bands
- exercise bench or step (I have an old one called the Fanny Lifter from The Firm days if anyone remembers those epic videos 😂)
Optional home equipment that can be added later or is a bonus if you already have it: kettlebells, exercise ball, pull-up bar, bar with heavier weights.
The workouts are 45-60 minutes, but can easily be shortened by cutting all the reps in half. I try to get in 3-4 weight workouts a week plus a few low-intensity cardio workouts if I have time (like walking on the treadmill, riding bikes with the fam, etc).
I can’t say enough about this workout app. I look forward to exercising (even though I know I’m going to be sore!), and it has helped me build muscle and get stronger (sorry, no flexing selfies). I love it!
K-dramas
Well, I’ve officially jumped on the K-drama train. Even though my entire extended family was waxing poetic about Crash Landing on You (as well as everyone else in the world, it seemed), I resisted. Mostly because I don’t watch TV very often, and when I do, I like to be able to multi-task. However, reading subtitles seriously restricts multi-tasking, so I resisted.
I got really sick in February and while laying in bed for over a week, I decided to finally dive in.
I watched Crash Landing on You and loved it so much, I’ve been rewatching it over the last month or so with Brian and Cam (it is extremely adorable how invested Camryn is in the characters). It also has seriously fueled my desire to travel to Switzerland. The two main characters are actually married in real life, so that’s fun for all of us at-heart romantics! You have to get through the first few quirky episodes and then it really gets good.
After a few minutes, you barely notice you’re reading subtitles. In fact, I swore I was fluent in Korean after I finished the series. 😂
For Cam’s birthday earlier this month, I gifted her this finger heart shirt {aff. link} (an endearing gesture in many K-dramas). She’s worn it almost every day since. 😍
I used to listen to a podcast or book when walking on the treadmill or riding the exercise bike. Now it’s all about K-dramas. I have zero regrets.
I’ve watched Business Proposal, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, and Crash Course in Romance. All of them fantastic for different reasons. I wasn’t a big fan of Forecasting Love and Weather or Her Private Life – didn’t finish either of those.
Cam and I just started watching Start-Up and are loving it. So far K-dramas have been clever, funny and clean, and I’m wondering if I’ll ever watch a non-subtitled show again. Oh, one word of advice: if the K-drama show has the ability to watch it dubbed over in English, don’t. I tried that with Business Proposal and it was ridiculously jarring.
Have you jumped on the K-drama train yet? If so, what are your favorites? Extraordinary Attorney Woo is next on my list to watch!
Things I’m Loving
Ok, I’ll end this with a few things I’ve been loving lately! {Affiliate links included for the things I’ve bought on Amazon – nothing is sponsored; I buy the stuff I love myself.}
- This is my favorite dress summer dress (especially after trying the famed Somerset dress that everyone raves about – it made me feel like a frumpy pioneer). This dress is flowy, light and much less expensive! I have it in green and floral pink.
- I use this foot cream every night before bed. It’s amazing.
- Do you hate melting butter and having it explode everywhere in the microwave? Yeah, me, too. I saw these microwave butter melters on Instagram, and so far, they are definitely saving my sanity.
- A while back I asked on Instagram stories about non-smearing mascara, and received hundreds of responses with recommendations of mascara to try. The top suggestions were tubing mascara, which I had never heard of before (living under a rock over here), so I decided to give it a go. First, I tried the L’Oreal Double Lash mascara that was recommended the most, but didn’t love it. I tried Thrive Causemetics liquid lash next, and I looooove it. I’ve been using it for several months now and am a super fan. It’s definitely more expensive than the every day waterproof mascara I used for years (and it’s not waterproof, but I’ve gotten used to that)…but it lasts a really long time. Yay!
- I bought this ceramic baking dish for a recent photo shoot, and it’s become one of my favorite baking pans! It would make a great Mother’s Day gift (for yourself or someone else!) 😉
- This is my favorite self-tanner. It’s very subtle, works gradually, and gives me just the hint of color I want on my lily white legs. The classic self-tanner smell is present but not overly strong. I use it a couple of times a week in the morning. Once it dries, I add a layer of the body lotion I use every day and don’t notice the smell much at all.
- My siblings and I bought this digital picture frame for my mom’s birthday earlier this year. She had an old one that she kept constantly on her kitchen counter, but we couldn’t add pictures to it remotely, so all the pictures were at least 10 years old. This new frame allows all of us kids to upload pictures via an app on her phone, which is awesome since three of us live several states away from my mom. She’s loving it!
- I bought this vacuum mop and after several months, I’m still really, really appreciating the value it adds to my life. Technically the appeal is that it vacuums and mops at the same time. I still give my floors a quick sweep before using it to minimize the amount of junk I have to clean out of it after. Because our downstairs is mostly LVP flooring and we live off a dusty long driveway and on 25 acres, my floors get n.a.s.t.y. This mop is as easy as vacuuming and I love it so much. It’s a bit of a pain to clean after but still very much worth it to me. I don’t use the cleaning solution sold with it; I just use water and it cleans spectacularly well.
Thanks for being here, friends.
Life has been a bit messy and heavy lately, particularly in respect to motherhood and all the ups and downs of that, but I also have so much to be grateful for, which means in the midst of feeling all the feelings, crying the tears and screaming in the pillows, I’m also trying to look for the blessings, too, and there are many.
Next week, I’ll be hitting the blog with a fun, free resource for kids graduating and leaving home, and there are also several phenomenal new recipes coming your way this month!
This is one of my happy places, and I’m really grateful for all of you! Love your guts! 💗
I started losing chunks of hair about year and a half ago, in addition to feeling tired constantly, stomach problems, and not sleeping well. After a bunch of blood tests, I discovered my ferritin levels were ridiculously low (due to low iron levels). After faithfully taking iron supplements daily for 6 months, my hair started growing back, and I felt like a new person because I actually had energy again. First, I thought I was just getting old! I’m getting my levels tested every six months now. Also, green smoothies almost daily in addition to b vitamins have been a help too!
I had the same exact symptoms for the same reason! My hair is naturally thick so it disguised it but I was losing an insane amount of hair in the shower and brushing, plus the insomnia and stomach issues. Ferritin was the culprit!
Isn’t it wonderful to feel better after going through something like that? ❤️
Mel, you will LOVE Extraordinary Attorney Woo. It is so dang good. If I may, I also recommend trying the Viki app for kdramas. Healer is my all-time favorite kdrama, and I’ve watched a lot of great ones. It stars Park Min Young from Her Private Life (I’m dying to know why you didn’t like this one!) and is just such a well-rounded romance/mystery/action/comedy drama. If you want more recs, I’ve got a million! I’m curious to hear how you end up liking Start-Up.
Good luck with everything! Post-covid hair loss can be a beast if you’ve had Covid recently. Hopefully you can find something that helps! And parenting adult children is for the birds, for reals. Keeps life exciting, though!
Biotin shampoo and conditioner for the hair loss, works wonders!
Yep. Happy and proud to be on the k-drama band wagon. They are so good. I haven’t watched an American show since I started. It’s too hard to go back. . I’ve watched every one you’ve mentioned. I also liked what’s wrong with secretary Kim, it’s ok to not be ok, something in the rain, extraordinary attorney woo, and most recently alchemy of souls. I would rank that one as my most favorite under crash landing. I generally hate anything fantasy related but the love story is so epic that the hint of magic elements along with the beautiful scenery and gorgeous culture clothing is just so good. Plus there are 2 seasons!!!! The stories are just so good and endearing. A breath of fresh air from the mostly garbage that is filled with our tv normally.
Kid stuff is haaaard cause you want to talk about it but you can’t talk about it because it’s their stuff and their life but it still can weigh heavy! The silver lining is the absolute empathy it gives me for everyone! Everyone is going through something that is breaking their heart that they probably can’t talk about! Love to you Mel and I hope you have someone to take it through with and a place to go for solace when you need it!
Agree 1000%
Wish there was a “like” button for this comment!
yes 1000% too <3
Thanks for all your recipes – I appreciate seeing how to do them!
Good luck with your health and everything with your family.
I had my thyroid taken Left side in 1995 then the Right side taken in 2014 and I am on Synthroid – I can’t take the Levothyroid because it causes me to have the hot flashes each time they give it to me. The hot flashes last for about a year after getting the Levothyroid. Good luck But I am older 78 to be exact.
Best of everything, Etta
I have been struggling with hair loss, which was probably from my elevated calcium/PTH levels and the resulting stress from that, but have seen quite an improvement since I started using Flourish shampoo and conditioner by Virtue. It was not an instantaneous cure but my part has definitely filled in and my hair is fuller (I was panicking ever time I put my hair in a ponytail – usually I would wrap the elastic band a few times to secure it and suddenly I seemed to have more hair band than I did actual hair!).
Mel, always enjoy your Friday Thoughts! Good to hear from you! Sounds like you are keeping busy with life. As a matter of fact, my daughter is returning from Zurich Switzerland today! She has been there a week for work. Works for a large pharmaceutical company there. All I can tell you on parenting is….hang in there…..it’s a process and there are highs and lows. But trusting in the Lord that somehow, someway He will make a way through it all…..has always brought me the most comfort and clarity. Hang in there friend. Thanks for all the recommendations on items you use! Have a great weekend! Lynn in AZ
I use a hair fiber product by BODILY. I can’t believe how it has helped hide my very thin hair [I have the same thyroid etc as you] It comes in a ton of colors. I have white gray hair and a pink scalp that these fibers cover. Try it. I think you’ll be happy. I get it on AMAZON
-Pam Kammeyer
nanabear135@comcast.net
I’m with Macy. I love your recipes and Friday thoughts even more. At my age I’m starting to wonder if ever there is a stage of life that isn’t messy. It’s always something. Kids. Aging parents. Employment concerns. Illness. And on it goes. You put your thoughts into the most relatable way we can all relate to.
My husband’s position was also eliminated recently. Add that to the eternal winter we had and a miscarriage and this year has been a bit of a doozy. But the sun finally started coming out again in April, and I got the 3 yr old potty trained finally, so maybe things are starting to turn around. I don’t know anything about parenting young adults, but my husband reminded me last night that “we’ve survived one three year old, so we can survive this one too” and maybe that applies to all of parenting?
I secretly feel like you’re the older sister I never had. I love your blog posts possibly more than your recipes (which are standards at our table). We’re moving to the Boise area next month so hopefully even more of your blog will be relevant (gardening and climate-related things). Thank you! You’re amazing.
I just love you, Mel. Thanks for the wonderful recipes and the genuine update. Life is good. Life is hard. Both are true.
Also, my 40 year old hair is thinning too. If you find something that works for you, please share!!
I love your Friday thoughts! Mothers unite! I guess I’ve been living under a hole too because I’ve never heard of tube mascara. However, I DO love k-dramas. You will love Extraordinary Woo. It’s a cute one. You should also try the Viki App which is like a Netflix App for Asian shows. You can try it for free for a week which is totally enough time to bust through a series and get addicted. Oh My Venus, Descendants of the Sun, and Healer on Viki are fantastic ones. Also, Vincenzo on Netflix is Italian Mafia meets K-Drama. Love it.
I came here to see if someone had recommended 1) Viki, and 2) Healer. You are my people! Healer is my all-time favorite kdrama. And Ji Chang Wook has ruined me for all other kdrama actors.
My husband was laid off as well in March. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise. So grateful for good friends and the good Lord! Our oldest is graduating and it’s a mixed bag!!! So many feelings! I might need to watch some K dramas to get through. Thanks for all you do! Hopefully Brian will have something to sell to us!
I have some hair loss advice. I’ve experienced hair loss a few times in my life, most recently the dreaded Covid hair loss (it lasted about three months, two months after contracting Covid). What helped me and what I will continue to take forever: Lysine. I’d still lose hair, but new hairs grew in like crazy. I am back to normal now but I never felt the thinness that I had in previous hair loss spells (the biggest due to rapid weight loss once). I also would encourage anyone experiencing hair loss to complete a protein requirements calculator (available online). The amount of protein you need daily could be a little shocking. I also try to amp up natural Vitamin C.
Have you seen a dermatologist about your hair loss? That is your best bet to determine what type of hair loss you have and treat it appropriately. Also I hated the Loreal Double Extend mascara too UNTIL I tried it without the primer. Works much much better for me that way.
I am a little embarrassed to admit this but I have more than once had the thought that had I really understood how hard motherhood could be as children get older I may not have had any. Its so hard. And I hope this difficult job transition turns into something even better for Brian. Thanks for always being such a rare bright spot on the internet.
I have loved seeing all the recipes you have been posting on fb lately.
Fruit trees: pruning is the name of the game. Do you know how to prune your different trees? Hint: pruning stone fruits is different that pruning soft fruits like apples. If I lived by you I would come prune with you and it would be so fun. I learned how to prune by taking agricultural extension classes.
Young adults: my third is graduating from high school this month. I find college age easier than high school, which was easier than junior high, which was easier than elementary school. So, there’s hope.
Aging: good luck! My 40’s have been so rough on my body. Not my hair, though, so I don’t have any specific suggestions. Good work with the weight lifting.
Love ya!
Crash Landing on You
Definitely can relate to the thinning hair problem! I have thyroid issues as well, and also take medication that effects my hair. UGH! My endocrinologist told me that biotin does not help unless you have a deficiency. So… I am also struggling to find a solution! Keep us posted if you find something that helps. So far, I have not had success.
As far as parenting young adult, I have two in their 30’s that I am still guiding! They are on their own, but really, I don’t think your job as a parent is ever over. My kids still call for advice and support (non-financial!). I think we just cross our fingers and pray for the best! <3
Was literally thinking just yesterday that i missed friday thoughts. Youre my favorite “influencer” bc youre so un-influencer-like. “Amazon affiliate link…use if you want…or dont.” Planning to order the dress. As a fellow thyroid juggler, i still have gobs of hair and would gladly share with you if that were possible. Parenting is so much more complex and nuanced than i ever imagined… and im only getting started… oldest is going to her first prom tonight. Keep on being real… the world needs you.
Best advice that I received from Heavenly Father about “parenting” young adults, is to Love them and trust in Him.
Job loss is so hard. We just went through this same scenario a year ago. Things work out with lots of faith and prayer.
Praying for your family. Thank you for being a bright light in the world!
I love these thought blogs that you put out occasionally – would love more. I always looked forward to your toy recommendations before Christmas when my grandchildren were still children
For thinning, lost hair, I’ve had success with ALA ( alpha lipoic acid). I use 200mg from Pure Encapsulations. Available on Amazon. Recommended to me by a doctor. Hope it helps you as well.
I have a strong family history of female pattern baldness; have been wearing a “topper” for 25 yrs. They ae relatively inexpensive, look natural, & are easy to clean/maintain, especially the “heat-friendly” synthetics. I have migraine and can’t wear a full wig. Also I have found less hair loss with collagen capsules (I, II, III V, X) 1100mg each. 6/day are recommended, but I only tolerate 3 d/t stomach upset. Hope this helps.
Regarding your hair loss, your Vitamin D levels may be too low. I had that problem and to combat it I took Vitamin D in a larger dose. Took it at night and morning. Gradually my hair stopped coming out
Oh Mel, I understand, so many life changes! My husband and I are actually on our way to our daughter’s college graduation! It’s Saturday! We have a younger son who’s also in college. Parenting older children is a whole different ballgame! I’ve been following you a very long time. I wish you and your family many blessings! I love your Friday thoughts!
Hi Mel, I’ve been a long time reader aaaaaand now first time poster 😉 Anyhoo, aging is not for the weak hearted. I am now in “Club 50” and hair loss, unstable hormone levels LOL, parenting children in their 20s and 30s and now aging parents are the center of my universe. Its funny how such important topics like this are never discussed. I’m going to do my part and pass along knowledge that helped me on this journey we called life. (Cue Prince music here) First and foremost, a recommendation for hair is an easy one! I started taking Biotin (at least 5,000 or 10,000mcg) in my mid 40s. GAMECHANGER. My hair (which is still long) started to strengthen, looked healthier again and my “fall-out” went way WAY down. Pleasant surprise was my nails also grew stronger and faster. Hello manicures again. When I started adding Collagen, to my coffee (I use Vital Proteins) the shininess and volume came back and my skin complexion really started to look much more glowy (for a lack of a better adjective. Highly recommended.
Hey, Mel. You’re darling in every way and I really enjoy reading about your wonderful life. We all have our ups and downs, but I feel it’s how we respond to our challenges that defines who we are deep in the soul. You’re doing great! My boys are grown now, wonderful men who love and work hard for their families, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. I remember their teen years well, and miss them. It was trying, but I also loved being there for each new adventure. Hang in there! Btw: my hair has started thinning, too, due to weight loss and aging (probs more the latter–Lol!) and I’m going to try collagen powder. I’ve got a couple of other friends who swear it works, so I think it’s worth a try. I’d love to get my hair back to normal. It was never luscious (I wish–ha!), but thicker would be better. Have a lovely weekend!
I was just wondering this week if I somehow got off the email list for Friday updates..since it had been so long. Regarding teens, we always told our kids we loved them so much and thats what made us want to watch over them and care so much. (How could they argue with that?) They don’t appreciate it at the time, but once they are on their own as adults, they will go back to being a joy again. When you look back, the teenage years will seem like it was just a brief time.
I don’t use it myself, but look into Divi for your hair. It was created by an influencer with a similar issue. Dani Austin is the creator, and you should
definitely listen to her podcast Deinfluenced (episode April 12) where she talks about it. Interesting science behind it all.
Hi–
I have a friend who has suffered with hair loss issues and she swears by taking collagen… I also have seen benefits from collagen but I’m grateful my hair isn’t at risk… I suppose there are a number of options but I just include the powdered version in protein shakes or herbal tea…
Best of luck!
Oh parenthood. Such an overwhelming task sometimes. As a mother of four former teenagers I can truthfully say you will get through it and so will they. I know there were days in which I could hardly breathe or even see the forest for the trees. Trying to remember to love them when I didn’t always like them wasn’t always easy. But gratefully today we are all still alive and our four children are productive adults parenting the best they can our 14 grandchildren. All of which are now teenagers themselves. So you will make it to the other side of the observation deck. Just remember to breathe and take one day at a time. Oh and don’t forget to smile. It improves your face value. You are the best!
This comment made me smile. It is true and honest, so I will smile and try to not cry when my teenagers do not listen to sage advice.
Sure love that you share a a real slice of your life with us! Good luck with all the transitions!
Hair loss can be caused by hormonal changes. I’ve been researching this recently for a female family member. Check out Wise and Well (Kristin and Maria) on Instagram. They have a ton of wonderful and very helpful information.
I started using the Kirkland Men’s Minoxidil Liquid back in January. I think it costs like $20 for 1 years worth (because women only need to use it once a day). It’s the exact same ingredients as the women’s formula, but much less expensive. I did lots of research about using it; when to use it; what kind to get; etc. I now just use it when I remember in the hours before bed; sometimes it’s a few hours before I actually get into bed and sometimes it’s right before; either way, it’s fine. It takes about 60 seconds & I haven’t had any side effects. I know it takes 6-12 months to see a difference so I am being patient. I use just one dropper, to the measuring line, and use it on my part, next to my part and on the other side of the top of my head as well as the crown. It was definitely the most cost effective way to try something.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is my current favorite! Watching the final episode tonight and don’t want it to end! I believe there has been a second season ordered..yay!
I don’t have an answer for the thinning hair, sure wish I did. BUT, I’ve been using Clingy Fibers and they are amazing. They take my focus off of the thinning areas which definitely helps lower my stress about the situation. I’ve been so happy I found them.
P.S. One more thing I can mention is Dr. Anna Cabeca, the Girlfriend Doctor. I bought one of her books, but haven’t read it yet. She is a triple board certified OB-Gyn and specializes in women’s health, but also addresses things like hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease. check her out at https://drannacabeca.com/pages/about.
Love what you do for so many! Thank you! I have the same thinning hair issues. If you hear about a great product that works, please let us all know.
oh, and also on the thinning hair…
I’ve resisted rogaine-type products b/c once you start researching it, you learn you have to use it FOREVER or your hair starts falling out even WORSE then before.
I can’t risk that! I’ll wait until it’s a TRULY hopeless situation.
Also— have you looked into “hair fibers”? Maybe not for an every day thing, but when you want to disguise a thinning part for a special event, etc, the reviews are SHOCKINGLY good on some brands I’ve looked up! (haven’t pulled the trigger myself yet)
I just turned 40 but I’ve been struggling with hairloss for years. THANKS MOM. I will never ever be able to rock a “center part” like all those young, hip, cute girls. Nope. It’s laughable.
I did have a question about the self-tanning lotion (as a fair skinned irish gal myself, these legs are NEVER changing color naturally and I avoid the sun like crazy) —- do you do any special prep? (like exfoliating, etc etc ) before applying it?
I love posts like this, and of course your entire blog as a whole. I can’t believe you are talking about YOUNG ADULTS… I feel like they were just babies on your blog like… yesterday!?!!? I mean, I remember reading tips about “making adventurous readers” when my firstborn was a baby… no way time flies that fast (she’s 9 now, yikes!)
Hey Jen, I do zero prep for the tanning lotion besides occasionally shaving (don’t ask me what “occasional” means, haha). I just towel off, put on the lotion, let it dry, put on “normal” lotion so my legs are super moisturized and that’s it!
I have been exactly there in my 40’s: just add a dying mother and a desperately ill daughter to the unemployed spouse and raising teens. I’m now 77, having survived it all and a few additional difficult twists to navigate. Faith in God’s love, mercy and grace, supportive friends and family and a good therapist pulled through and I am now living my life to the fullest. New hip, new knee, and cataracts removed. I still do weight training, wear hats or a wig, take daily thyroid meds, paint, walk, read and garden. Not the life I once envisioned, but a good one. You can, too.
Wow! You’re incredibly busy, Mel! 🙂
I suffer from thyroid and hormone issues, too, but I’m on hormone replacement therapy, and despite being diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2018, my new endocrinologist didn’t find anything off with my recent labs. I’m not medicated – just using supplements to try to manage it – like taking a daily iodine supplement, making sure my sea salt is iodized, and taking selenium. I was also taking ashwagandha, but stopped it (for whatever reason). For the thinning hair, you could use Nioxin products, which should be readily available to you. Check amazon, WalMart (the salon inside WalMart usually sells it), and even your local grocery store.
Hope your fruit trees are productive this year, and you get to make lots of yummy goodies with the fruit!
I was sorry to hear about your husband’s job. Seems to be an epidemic lately, and I hope he either finds something else, or succeeds in having his own business!
Have a great weekend! Happy Cinco de Mayo! 🙂
Debbie
Oh my goodness — why do I not *really* know you in real life?! I feel like I do! I relate so much to all your Friday thoughts but this one hit different and I just had to comment.
First — your cute missionary met my cousin who’s also in Sao Paolo! My cousin is Elder Kemeny and he wrote me and told me: Elder Gunnell was in my MTC district! He’s from Idaho and his mom has an Instagram about food right? Ya he his a super awesome guy!
Second — I just sent my missionary to West Virginia and everything they say is true about all of it! My heart and my tears and my smiles are all the things all the time.
Third — we started with Extraordinary Attorney Woo and it is CHARMING! I highly recommend it, especially since you already love K-dramas!
❤️❤️❤️
As a nurse practitioner for many years. I recommend Nioxin 3 step program for hair loss. It takes awhile to work but does a great job. Your hairdresser can obtain it or a a hair supply store like Sally’s.
In fact Biotin can mess with your thyroid. I never recommend it.
Good luck. Susan Burton,CRNP
Thanks for the update Mel! I’m right there with you. Parenting young children is difficult, but parenting young adults is HARD. I’m reading The Emotional Lives of Teenagers right now and find it to be very helpful. So much of the content applies to young adults as well.
Thanks again for all you do, and for all you share. When people ask me about one of your recipes, I reply, “I got it from my friend in Idaho.” 🙂
Have a relaxing weekend!
Tami
I use the same self-tanner. I’m going to try “regular” moisturizer later in the day to reduce the smell (although it’s truly not that bad – especially with a new tube). Ordering the dress now!
Change is hard! But you always manage it with so much panache and grace. I love following your Friday thoughts and they might even be my favorite posts since I come back to them for reference (I’m about 5 years behind with children). Good luck during these new changes. I know you’ll be on the other side soon with a fabulous cookie in one hand while wrestling a steer in the other 🙂
Thanks for checking in. I’ve missed you. Keep up the good work, Mel. You’re doing better than you think.
Rebecca
I use a hair fiber product by BODILY. I can’t believe how it has helped hide my very thin hair [I have the same thyroid etc as you] It comes in a ton of colors. I have white gray hair and a pink scalp that these fibers cover. Try it. I think you’ll be happy. I get it on AMAZON
-Pam K