Friday Thoughts {So Much to Say}
A Friday Thoughts post ready for you in…3…2…1! Let’s go! It’s a fun one. 🙂
{Here are some past Friday Thoughts posts if you are curious about what this series is all about.}
Quick Summer Updates
- We took off for a family camping trip the week after school let out (I had a high school graduate this year 👏🏼 but he didn’t want to walk in the official graduation ceremony, so the end of the school year was kind of quiet for us!). We headed up to Silver Creek Plunge campground for the first time and LOVED it. Stay tuned – I’ll be sharing our favorite Dutch oven lasagna recipe next week. It’s a camping staple!
- My oldest son, Jackson (20), is living at home while he works full-time. He is also in the process of enlisting in the Air Force. We are very proud of him and learning a lot as he works toward this goal!
- The other three boys (18, 16, 15) are working together at a bounce house company (and Cade, my 16-year old also is working three days a week mowing lawns and landscaping). Walker, my 18-year old starts his missionary service to the Philippines in two weeks, so there’s a lot going on and we’re speeding toward some huge adventures and milestones. The boys spend almost all their free time fishing or bowling.
- I did a little presentation for our church girls’ camp this week (it’s Cam’s first year going!). My presentation was basically about “On days when you don’t feel like you are enough, remember that God thinks otherwise.” 💗 When I was up there, I spied this “hug hut” that was in the middle of camp. It was so fun and welcoming! What a great idea (the girls were lined up!).
- Our little town recently got a Dairy Queen (people here either love it or hate it 🥴). And we’ve found the secret to enjoying DQ nights (ahem, more often than I should admit) is to order lots of mini-size blizzards to try all.the.flavors. I’m really loving the seasonal peach one right now, but the brownie batter with cookie dough is probably my all-time favorite.
- Summer is…interesting…when it comes to cooking (especially dinner!). We’re eating a lot of quick, simple meals. I try to add to my What’s 4 Dinner at Mel’s series on Instagram (saved in Instagram highlights if the link doesn’t work) to share ideas. Cam is baking bread again this summer to sell to friends/neighbors, and she very often jumps in for Sunday dinner dessert duty. She rocked the cinnamon scones!
Cookbook Party
Last week was my cookbook launch/signing party, and I hardly have words to describe the magic of the event.
Not only was the venue amazingly beautiful (and the weather absolutely perfect), but I was completely blown away and humbled by how many people came.
I met over 400 of you! Many of you stood in line and waited for hours to get a book signed and/or chat for a minute. I could have talked to you (and laughed…and cried) for hours and hours beyond the time available to us that night.
As much of a homebody as I am, meeting you one-on-one like that filled my soul in countless ways. Several of you came in from states all across the country. Others shared your favorite things (cards and sourdough starter and MORE) with me! And many of you made me cry with your sincerity and experiences and sacrifices to be there.
It took me years to finally write a cookbook. Your response (whether you were at the event or not!) has been absolutely more than I could have ever asked for. I have long felt that this, whatever “this” is, is so much more than “just recipes.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
I posted a quick Instagram reel of the event here (thanks to Sara from Our Best Bites for putting this together for me!). The food by Whitney Fredin Events was so yummy…people are still asking me about those flavored butters! I’ll try to get recipes soon!
I couldn’t have made the event happen without the help of so, so many friends and family (including Emma, who stepped in as an event planner and literally saved my sanity – if you’re interested in her amazing services, message her on Instagram).
Also, all the merch available at the event, like homebody and other hoodies, aprons and menu planning pads, will be up on the shop site soon!
What I’m Reading
- Emma M. Lion books (I’m almost done with book 7) – witty, heartwarming, fun, charming. One of you even brought me an Emma M. Lion shirt and I am wearing it nonstop #iykyk
- Sacred Struggle – incredible book 💗
- The Choice – an absolute must-read memoir from a Holocaust survivor
Things I’m Loving
- These flipflops
- The permanent jewelry Cam and I got (LOVE, love my anklet)
- This air fryer – I think it’s available at Costco although I bought it on Amazon (I have a long sordid history with hating my big, bulky air fryer and have even done an Instagram series on how much I hate it…but this bigger, toaster-oven-style one has been a game changer for us)
- This chapstick (actually, I am loving this on behalf of my two kids on Accutane – it is the only chapstick saving their extremely dry lips)
- This Relyte electrolyte mix (most days I blend a scoop of this + a scoop of clean simple eats collagen into 12-16 ounces water and drink it midday) – my kids mix it in water after an intense workout
- These habanero BBQ almonds. Contrary to their name, they actually aren’t very spicy at all, but WOW, the flavor is so good. We always have them in the pantry.
Podcast + Health
Content warning: I’m about to say the word menopause. Probably more than once. You have been warned.
I recently listened to this podcast and this podcast (both from Huberman Labs) and can I just say: 🤯 🤯 🤯 (also reading The Hormone Cure – not all the way through it yet).
It has prompted me to dive headfirst into the pool of women’s health, particularly in regards to hormones and peri/menopause. I am embarrassed at how little I knew in regards to all of this; I definitely have some issues to tackle, but I’m kind of weirdly excited to keep learning, seek out some help, and make some changes. 💪🏼
Looking through all the notes I’ve jotted down, below are four things that stand out as improvements I can make now (obviously, there are MANY, many more than just these ones – gotta start somewhere!):
- Increase protein
- Eat lots of colors
- More fiber
- Lift weights/build muscle
⬆️ Protein
I mentioned in my last Friday Thoughts post I was starting to track this, and it is going pretty well! My goal is to get about 115 grams of protein a day. I don’t always hit that, but I try to get close. Lots of you asked in the comments of the last post what I eat for my protein goal.
Here are my go-to foods that I rotate through: Greek yogurt (Two Good brand is my fave), tuna, G2G protein bars (the coconut chocolate is the best, and they sell them at Costco now – these are the only protein bars I’ll eat because they taste normal and not full of fake stuff), hard-boiled eggs, pumpkin seeds + almonds, Parmesan cheese crisps (again, from Costco), cheese, salmon, cottage cheese, apple + peanut butter, lots of chicken, and beans. And I try to make our family dinners lean protein-focused. But if they aren’t (hello, lasagna), I don’t stress too much. Kind of going for the 80/20 philosophy here.
Eat Lots of Colors
This goal is good for my family, too! I don’t really over think this; I am just buying lots of fruits and veggies on sale (and starting to eat from our garden!) and incorporating them into our snacks and meals.
More Fiber
I definitely need to work on this one. When I started tracking my fiber, the results were abysmal. The research is fascinating in regards to the importance of fiber on overall health, especially as we age. Eating all those extra colors I mentioned above will undoubtedly help get more fiber in.
I also bought this fiber supplement – can’t say if it’s great or not yet since it just came, but will keep you posted! (disclaimer: I always get nervous to mention supplements in any form – some people love supplements, others think they are the devil, so please do your own research and decide what’s best for you and don’t just take my word for anything! )
Lift Weights/Build Muscle
You can’t take two steps in any direction online these days without reading about the importance of this. It is so crucial for women, especially, to build muscle to prevent bone loss and help with hormone regulation.
I have to give a huge shoutout to the Sadie Active app that I’ve been using for a year and a half. It has changed my life, not even kidding. I didn’t really *lift weights* before starting this program, but over the last 18-20 months, my strength (and confidence) has increased a hundred fold. I actually look forward to working out, and I cannot believe how strong I feel!
I do all of the workouts at home using the gym setting (and just modifying the equipment as needed) – but there is a *home setting* on the app, too. Many, many of you have started using this app, too, since I can’t stop talking about it – I get comments all the time about how much it has helped you, as well! (I’m not affiliated in any way with the app, I pay for my own membership…but I can’t recommend it highly enough.)
I would love your thoughts on this…can we all stay open-minded and kind? 😘
A Few Last Things
Hmmph, this is quite the rambly post. But let’s continue with that theme!
Yes, our animals are still around! Lots of scratches, brushes, and fresh water to beat the heat during the summer. (We got 20 baby chicks in the spring and they will be laying eggs in just a few months, and we just had a baby calf born to one of our back pasture heifers!)
Temperature blanket is still coming along. Slowly but surely. My method is to get about 25 rows behind and then spend a few days catching up. 😬
We relocated our garden to our front pasture (necessary after it was demolished from the recent remodel). I have nine 4X8-foot garden boxes packed to the gills with…tomatoes. Ok, also jalapenos, peppers and a few other things, too, but there are A LOT OF TOMATOES, because I really only plant a garden for this salsa.
And on a final, more somber note, I just want to put a placeholder here to remember my sweet friend, Liz, who passed away from cancer last week. She was a powerhouse of faith, love, friendship, and goodness. She had an extensive network of really close friends who supported her and her family through her cancer battle, and although I wasn’t one of Liz’s closest friends, I did have the privilege of bringing dinner occasionally and talking to Liz about everything from pigs (she and her husband, Adam, bought kunekune piglets from us years ago) to her favorite scripture verses to if it’s ok to eat dessert before dinner. As I’ve felt the loss this last week, I’ve also felt kind of guilty for being sad. Like, that should be reserved to those who were the very closest to Liz, right?? But I’ve taken it as a reminder to readjust priorities in my own life so that I’m focusing more on what really matters. Life is so short; none of us are guaranteed a tomorrow, but I can make the most of today. And truly, I am so grateful for the light and influence Liz was to me. She always treated me like I was important and valued, and her example of living as a disciple of Christ with absolute faith will always, always stay with me. 💗
I hope summer is going well for all of you! Would love to hear your thoughts about any of the above…and I always want to know what’s going on in our world.
Either in a Friday thoughts or on Instagram you mentioned some indoor shoes that you wear. I can’t find it and I really want to know what brand they are. Thanks so much!
Hi Laura, they are the archies footwear brand: https://archiesfootwear.com/collections/arch-support-slides
I actually know something about fiber! I have worked with a health coach for about a year, and fiber is KEY. Avoid using fiber supplements. Of course if you NEED them to poop, or if your doctor tells you, go for it. Fiber supplements are hard on your gut! Fiber from natural sources are best. And eating toward a fiber goal guides your nutrition toward the healthiest food. And that’s the overall point anyway right, health?
I’m sick in bed with bronchitis (summer sickness should be banned!) and I ran out of books. Trusting you as I always do, I found Emma M Lion on Kindle Unlimited. The books are pure joy and I will be most disappointed if I get better before I finish the series.
Finally finished listening to those podcasts you recommended. Now I need “recipes” for high protein breakfasts. 🙂
Also wondering if you have any pull with Ghirardelli to encourage them to put some protein in their dark chocolate chips?? (Joking…but would that make it so much easier to hit the protein goal?)
Hello Mel! I can’t believe I am actually commenting. I have been following you for years and years. Like everyone else, I feel like you are one of my best friends. After all friendships usually include eating super fantastic food and I cook one of your recipes almost every night. So while we might not be together per se, you are certainly a beloved part of my home, a joyous part of bridal showers, baby showers, church functions, parties and an intragral part of my family here in Central California as we enjoy your recipes in every setting! You have my heart!
What in the world have I been doing trying to survive without the nail clippers you recommended at Christmastime? We LOVE them. Now whenever I saw to my husband that you recommend a product that would benefit us, he doesn’t even hesitate to buy it. No pressure, but could you also please recommend a trip to Fiji or something similar? 🙂
For the Sadie Active app, do you recommend a certain type of weights? I am overwhelmed at the choices out there and wondered what you use most? I know it will depend on my strength and such, but I need a starting point. Thank you for any help.
Last, praying for you as you send your son on a mission, for peace in your heart with the loss of Liz, and blessings to you and your family for the LIGHT you share with others.
Hahaha, recommendation for a tropical vacation coming right up! (Although fingernail clippers are decidedly more affordable) 🙂 For the Sadie Active weight, I started out using adjustable dumbbells and they have been perfect! Totally worth the investment, in my opinion. I have these ones: https://amzn.to/3zkbSXV I’ve bought a few other kettlebells and other weights, but starting out, those adjustable ones were fantastic (I used them exclusively for the first 12-14 months I did Sadie Active). Thank you for your kind words, Amy (and thanks for commenting!)
As a fellow homebody, I very much appreciate how much you freely share of yourself, your family, your life and of course your food. You are an inspiration in so many ways as we all work our way through the unexpected twists and turns of life. I have leaned all kinds of things from you. And it turns out we eat better because of you too. From the bottom of my heart, thanks for always showing up. It can’t be easy. Just know you are so very appreciated.
Such a kind, kind comment. Thank you, Kristie. Truly.
I LOVE Relyte. It’s great post workout (esp when you’ve sweat a lot) and it’s great when I feel like I’m dragging and it gives me a little pep (nothing like caffeine, ha, but it’s the healthier choice!).
I too am working on more strength training and increasing protein. It’s not easy, but my body has been thanking me and I want to set myself up for the future! I love that you’ve had more veggie dense recipes in recent months (looking at you roasted veggies!) and I’ve been adding more than one veggie side dish to other meals.
All the best to your new missionary!
And you’d have a full house if you did a cookbook signing in Utah!😁
I have a few more veggie-forward recipes coming this fall, too!
A friend just shared this and it made me think of your girls camp presentation. (I just returned from girls camp as camp director….the first years are always so excited about it — yay for Cam!!!! Girls camp is magical.)
And ps: I always love your Friday Thoughts! And your cookbook is perfection.
Dear Mom,
For some reason, the phrase “you are enough” has never sat quite right with you. You know the words are well intended; they’re supposed to make you feel better. But they seem flat, almost like an excuse.
Because when it comes to your children, you know the truth:
You are not enough for them.
You never will be. There is not enough time in your day, energy in your body, or wisdom in your heart to give them what they need or deserve. They have holes and aches you cannot fill. They have needs you could never meet. And that’s just how it is.
But there is someone who can. The only One who could truly give them everything they need is God.
Sometimes you forget this, and you panic and cry. You let your inadequacies scare the heck out of you. Trust me, I know the words “you are enough” are not comforting to a woman who knows she could be doing better.
“He is enough” brings much more peace.
Let these three words take the pressure off your mothering. Speak them when you feel overwhelmed or inadequate. Write them down. Hang them up.
You may fear you aren’t teaching them all they need to know. You may be ashamed of your weaknesses, the way you lose your temper, your messy house. You may even see your kids losing faith and you don’t know what to do.
But He is enough.
Because He is the Savior, not you. Your job is to love and lead. He figures out the rest.
Replace your fear with gratitude that He is in control. Remember that His one objective is to gather them safely to Him. And rejoice that every effort you give, no matter how small or imperfect, will be magnified in His hands.
Because, while you are not enough for them,
He is.
He is enough for us all. ❤️
Thanks for sharing that, Amy!
Love the update. Love you. Menopause is such a controversial topic. I completely embrace all the awesome lifestyle habits you speak of but want to encourage people to look into
HRT. Our generation has been raised on the results of a huge study from the 90’s that blamed HRT for increased cancers. After truly digging in, much of that study has been debunked as junk science. I started menopause at 40 and I don’t say this lightly, but it ruined my life. After years of debilitating insomnia and hot flashes that left me grouchy and tired and miserable all.the.time. I broke down and started HRT. Of course this was after every natural fix I could try. It gave me my life back. I sleep. My brain is more lucid. I can enjoy cuddling and exercising again without wanting to cry because I’m on fire. Wish I’d not wasted years suffering. Anyway, to each their own but I want to raise my hand and say it’s working for me. Thank you for being AMAZING.
YES!! I had chemotherapy in my early 30’s and it ruined my ovaries and I’ve been on HRT for the last seven years. I plan to live many, many more years and our bodies need those important hormones for heart and bone health (and to keep those AWFUL hot flashes away!). My doctor explained that 90’s study to me and it’s sad how much it has negatively affected women nowadays. I’ll raise my hand with you!
Leeanne, thanks for the comment! I recently have been listening to some podcasts that indicate the same thing about HRT from verified medical professionals who have done a lot of research, so thanks for adding your experience. I am so happy that HRT has helped you! Amazing, really. And I’ve hard from many other women who have had similar experiences.
I enjoy the habanero bbq almonds too! (Weight Watchers for years- lifetime member).
I think probiotics can play a part in hormones, too. I’ve taken Culturelle for years. I recently heard that gut health might play a part in brain health as well.
All the best to you and your family! You’ve given so much to your followers. I have your cookbook propped up against my kitchen backsplash and notice it several times a day.
Thank you so much, Julie!
Tell me more about the Sadie Active App. How long are the workouts? Is it strictly resistance training? I need to start a good strength program and this sounds interesting. Love your recipes, btw.
Hi Kristen, yes it is all weights/resistance training but she also includes stretches at the end (optional) and on two of the days, it recommends adding in 20-30 minutes of LISS (low intensity steady state cardio). The weight training workouts usually take me anywhere from 30-45 minutes (leg workouts take longer for me). But the workouts are easily modifiable – make them longer by increasing reps or sets or make them shorter by cutting out a few of the exercises or decreasing sets or reps.
Your cookbook is beautiful! My teen boys cook dinner once a week during the summer, and your cookbook has been used frequently this summer. The recipes are perfect for them, not too difficult and always delicious!
That’s amazing!! (Not that they’re using my cookbook BUT THAT THEY COOK DINNER ONCE A WEEK)
Nice Update.
Thank you so much!
Thank you!
Thanks for this post. I love t your friday thoughts! My birthday is next month and I always tell my adult kids I don’t want stuff, just a visit or phone call. I really don’t want or need more stuff. But this year I told my daughters I wanted your cookbook for my birthday. I can’t wait to get it.
Oh, that is so sweet, Teresa! Made my day to read that. Thank you!
Those cinnamon scones are the best scones!!! Also, it was great getting to say hello at your cookbook event! Thanks for being will to have a local event. 🙂
I love you Mel… your Friday thoughts always make me want to do better! Thanks!
Thank you, Jill (and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment…love reading all of them)
Mel, it is so very nice catching up with you and your family; what a busy bunch you are. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet friend Liz, am sure your kindness and compassion eased her pain.
Your children sure keep busy with the start of summer and I wish your son, Walker the best of everything on his two year mission. You and your family have experienced so many personal and professional milestones and you are so gracious to share them with us. Congratulations on your book event. Way to go, Mel!
I always love your Friday Thoughts posts! I’ve been following your website for over a decade and probably 90% of what I make is from your site. You’re a household name around here! I’m getting to that pre-menopause age and there is so much to learn about our bodies… it can be overwhelming! I’m so very sorry for the loss of your friend. You are definitely allowed to grieve and be sad. Sending prayers to you and those who love her. ♥️ Thanks for always being real and relatable.
Thanks for being here, Tracey.
I love the Emma M. Lion series with my whole heart. I binged them all last summer and plan to read them again this summer. And of course you are allowed to be sad an mourn your friends death, what a hard thing for you and everyone who knew her.
Thanks, Jennifer. (If it takes 10 years for Beth Brower to finish this series, I think a lot of us will be rereading!) 🙂
Sorry for your loss. There are always ripples when there is a loss. Thanks for sharing about the menopause. We are the same age and I need to be more educated about it. I appreciate the resources! Loving the cookbook! Looking forward to getting a Homebody hoodie soon! You are a rockstar! Also thanks for the update on the kids! Congratulations!
Thanks, Jen!
Hi Mel, what a nice update on your cute family. I love this whole post and everything you always share with us. I hope you enjoy your summer. It’s been super hot with in CT with that awful heat wave, but it should break soon. Thanks for always sharing some snippets of your life with us.
Hope the heat has finally broken for you, Teresa! We’ve been in the high 90’s (nearly 100 degrees) which is a bit unusual for us in June. I’m longing for the 80’s that we completely bypassed!
Thank you Mel for your Friday thoughts. I feel like I got a letter from a good friend.
Ah, thank you, Kimbra!
I’m excited to check our your cookbook, I’ve modified some of your recipes over the years for my gf kiddo and they always turn out great!
I just got the book, the new menopause, I’ll be subbing into it ASAP, but I’ll check out the resource you talked about above – oi this life is not always for the faint of heart, eh?!
You are so right, Katie! 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend Liz! 🙁 Will keep her family in my prayers! I still hope you do another book signing… California has gorgeous daytime weather in January while dismal other places! 😉 I love that air fryer too! And congrats on your son leaving!! My son is waiting for his call right now!! So exciting!!!!
Thank you for your sweet comment, Allison! Exciting for your son! And I’ll keep you posted if California ends up working out! I’m mostly worried no one would actually come, haha.
I would come!! I live in Southern Cal
We have been cooking from your site for years but are having a blast using the cookbook!
Love reading that…thanks, Helen!!
Ok first of all, I’m also reading the Emma M Lion books and am OBSESSED!! They are so cute and (please nobody hate me) I like them even better than some Austen. Does that make me a heathen??
I also LOVE the red/pink dress you’re wearing in your family pic here. So pretty and bright! 😍
That does NOT make you a heathen. Well, if it does, count me in the group. Thank you, Bonnie! The dress is a bit out of my normal color palette, but it makes me happy to wear it!
I have a grandson in the
Philippines. Tate Ellsworth, he arrived about 4 weeks ago. He loves the people, country, and is struggling with the language. I just keep reminding him that being quiet for awhile isn’t a bad thing while he’s learning.
Love everything you do! Going to try your cinnamon roll muffins this weekend.
That is such a good reminder, Pennie! Thanks for chiming in!!
My son is headed to the Philippines also! So exciting. He starts in Aug and is headed to the Urdaneta Mission. His Mission Presidents are going to be Si Foster (from A Bountiufl Kitchen!) and her husband. I am so exited that maybe she will post things from time to time about the mission.
I have been studying about menapause also. I am so grateful there is more information for us now a days. I have started lifting weights regularly also and have learned to really love it!
Love your friday thoughts! Cheers!
Mel, you are an awesome person. I feel privileged that I was able to help at your book signing, because it was an amazing opportunity, to be able to meet all these women who love and adore you. It was incredible. You make people feel important and they feel like they know you because of how you not only share your recipes, but you share life events with them.
Your food is always delicious. I love how easy your recipes are to follow. And I have enjoyed using your cookbook. I like to make small notes and rate it on how much my family liked the recipe so that I can come back and use it again. 🙌 I love you so much. Thanks for being a friend and an amazing example of Christ like love❤️
You are so cute, Valerie. I am blessed you are my friend in real life.
Be oh so careful with accutane! It works wonders but the side effects can be so insidious and long lasting! Watch the nebtal health (depression/anxiety) and hair loss and night vision! Some of those things never fully return!
Thank you for the input! We are being super cautious…but it is a tricky medication for sure, and the heads up is always helpful!
First, I love hearing your favorite things — here are a couple of mine that seemed relevant!
1. Australian Golden Lanolin : https://www.korunaturals.com/proddetail.php?prod=PLALB
I love this balm! But we also have gotten the green tube chapsticks of this brand as well . A few years ago I legit thought I had skin cancer of the lips because all of the sudden my lips were SO. CHAPPY. I remember applying chapstick constantly, literally like 50 times a day and still minimal improvement. I did some research and found that most chapsticks dont actually heal or moisturize your lips– they just lock in the moisture that’s already there. But, lanolin DOES moisturize and heal your lips. My husband never ever ever leaves the house without chapstick and he LOVES this stuff. He used to appy chapstick constantly because his lips are just more prone to getting chappy, and he only uses this stuff now becuase he doesn’t have to reapply anwhere near as much as he used to.
I know you found something your boys like — that’s great! just had to put a plug in for this stuff because its ah-mazing. Pro-tip though it does get melty in warm weather, so it’s not something to keep in your purse in the summer!
2. Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Sandal <<< my fave sandal of all time. Sorry if you've already posted about them. They are great! The shoe part is made of yoga mat material so it soooo comfy and actually offers a little bit of support to your feel.
Thanks for all you do!! Glad the big event went well!!
Love, love your recommendations, Jacelyn! Thank you! I’m checking both of the out immediately!
Mel: I love your site, recipes and Friday thoughts! Oh and I love your name. 😉 I really think you should come to Utah County and do a recipe book signing party! You have SOOO many Utah fans!! I feel so sad I missed out on this event. (I’m pretty sure I have some type of food event FOMO.) Anyway, you are real, down to earth and I connect to you on so many levels. Cheers!
I’m hoping to make a Utah event work, Melanie!!
Ooh, I’m in if you do! We’re in Orem!
I love this post! I have been reading about menapause too. It feels so good to have more information available to us !
My son is heading to the philippines also! He leaves in August. My son is headed to Urdaneta mission with Si Foster (from A Bountiful Kitchen) and Her husband as his mission presidents. I have been super stressed about sending him away and found some really great resources, so If you want me to pass any info your way, let me know.
Love your posts and food like always. Cheers!
Jessica
Hi Jessica! That is so awesome that your son will have Si and her husband as his mission leaders. Lucky kid! I’d love any resources you have to share…I’ll email you!
Happy Summer Mel! Thank you for your lovely update and all the best to you and your family with all the delightful happenings planned ahead.
Once you delve further into peri/menopause, i.e. me: no pause! I look forward to your next cookbook including lots more recipes that work for us older gals, with high fiber, low simple carbs, healthy proteins. Since you’re now a Dr. Mary Claire Haver fan, I highly recommend her book “The New Menopause”. Also, Dr. Lisa Mosconi’s books “The XX Brain” and “The Menopause Brain” are also excellent. Our estradiol may be lower, but there’s lots we can do to help offset the plethora of impacts to our bodies and brains! (And this will be my first question to our Creator in the next life “why?”!!)
I have the same question, Mary!! Thanks for the additional recommendations!
I love your beautiful writing and insights! Your new cookbook is getting rave reviews in my home and we so appreciate your dedication to your family and always being an example of living a life of deep convictions and purpose.
Thank you so, so much, Nan!
O sweet Mel! I’ve already loved you for years for helping me feed my family. But then you introduced me to Emma et al. Now my heart is yours forever! (We won’t mention this to my husband of 30+ years or my 4 children.) I am pining for the next installment of Emma’s adventures. Let us pray that Beth Brower’s muse moves her. She foresees 22-25 volumes in total!
Hahaha. Your comment made me laugh. Those books hooked me big time, too! I don’t think I can wait ten years for this to wrap up.
My heart also needed that reminder about not feeling like enough, thank you Mel. 💕
You aren’t alone, Pam. I need that reminder so often.
I have the first Emma Lion book in my TBR – I obviously need to bump it up! We have 2 out of school workers in our house and I have to say I love it. We have worked through the whole ‘you are an adult but you live in our house’ confusion, and I think it’s good for us. I hope you like it too! I am at the same peri/menopause stage so I need to look at those books, but right now I am reading Matrescence, and what the heck! It is about what happens to women’s bodies and brains when they become mothers and I am learning so much. So much that would have helped me. I think it is super important especially for those of us with daughters
That sounds like such a fascinating book, Lauren! Thanks for sharing! We are still working through those same growing pains of young adult kids. It is an interesting phase for sure!