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.
Love that you include health and wellness. I had a new experience worth mentioning. As you get older you may notice that sometimes you seem to be running to the bathroom. I mentioned this to my dr., the oddest thing was I wouldn’t have to go until I was driving into my garage and then I HAD to run to the bathroom, it had become annoying. Seems it was all in my head (or mostly in my head). My dr. referred me to a physical therapist for pelvic floor excercises–Amazing!
Absolute second to pelvic floor exercises! They are amazing
Thanks for mentioning that, Janice! I agree it can be a game changer. I saw a pelvic floor physical therapist a few years ago and it helped me immensely!!
I love your Friday thoughts, they are my absolute favorite. So many things…Big congrats on your cookbook and signing!! I wish I could have been there to see your shining moment. What an incredible accomplishment! Big hugs! I also second the New Menopause book, I just finished it and it’s been super eye opening…this perimenopause journey has not been my friend-we all need to stick together. I was laughing about how your last month has gone because that’s pretty much been us! Graduation followed by a camp trip followed by getting a missionary off in 2 weeks. Congrats to Walker! And lastly, I’m not sure the route Jackson is taking with the Air Force but if he ever lands at the Academy, we are right next door so be sure to reach out and let us know! We would love to be his sponsor family. Okay I said that was the last thing, but I also want to send my love to you and everyone else who lost Liz. That’s never an easy thing especially when she has touched so many it sounds like.
Love you Mel!
Nicole! I hope our paths cross someday. Feels like a lifetime ago we were doing play dates with our kids that are now graduated high school. I’ll keep you posted about Jackson and the Air Force – talk about life coming full circle if that were to happen. Thank you, friend!
I am a true follower of Jesus Christ and a true follower of Melskitchencafe 💜. I have followed you since the beginning of your blogging embarkation and feel like we’re friends even though we have never met. I love your authenticity and appreciate your fail proof recipes! (Never tried one I haven’t liked). I also love your humor and real life moments that you openly share with friends and strangers alike. So DQ…my crew and I do the mini blizzards test and share tactic OFTEN. Have you tried the Frozen Hot Chocolate? It’s my all time FAVORITE DQ treat, especially when you ask for extra cocoa fudge and chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla. I also get pints of their soft serve to use on the outer layer when I make my own homemade ice cream cakes. 🎂 Now onto menopause…l can attest to all the tips you shared. High protein, quality sleep and lifting weights have been a huge help for me. Another tip that has worked well for me has been ESTROVEN as it helps with all the peri/menopause symptoms. You can get it on Amazon, at Costco or just OTC almost anywhere. It was a GAME CHANGER for me (recommended by my DR). Thanks for keeping it real and sharing all the love through recipes, stories, Friday thoughts, favorite things and everything in between.
Um, I just went to DQ tonight and hadn’t read your comment, but you better believe I’ll be going again tomorrow to try that frozen hot chocolate number. I’ve never tried it and can’t wait!! Thank you for the input on menopause stuff – I haven’t heard of Estroven…I love learning and hearing about what is out there. Thank you!
Thanks for your update!! Love hearing about your life! My daughter is on her mission in Las Vegas and makes your granola bites all the time. Everyone she shares them with loves them! Thanks for spreading goodness!
I love that – thanks for sharing!
My son is almost finished with training in the AirForce PJ program. (Pararescue—google it if you haven’t heard of it.) it’s crazy intense but he loves it! There is a lot to take in as a mom but it is a joy to see them find the path that really works for them. (I have 5 boys and 1 girl—just a few years ahead of you!)
Just be prepared that you can’t send anything at all to basic training. Except paper letters. And you won’t hear from him for a few months.
You are just getting in to this stage but young adult parenting is by far the most difficult stage we’ve been through yet. We have 5 young adults…one still at home. Even when they are doing awesome it’s hard… we need a support group.
Thanks for the menopause tips! Headed there now.
Kimberly – I so appreciated your comment! Best of luck to your son, what an amazing adventure. Thanks for the advice about basic training. And I agree with you, even though we are just branching into the waters of young adult kids, it has been infinitely more challenging than I thought it would be. Glad to know there are others in the thick of it, too!
We have never met but I feel as if you are one of my closest friends. I don’t think I have ever even commented on your blog but I just wanted to thank you for your posts, for your recipes that I have been feeding my family for years and for just being real. I think we are the same age and this is an interesting stage of life. So many changes, learning how little we really know, and having a longing for what matters most. Thank you for sharing these pieces of your life and heart. I appreciate it more than you can imagine.
Amber, this comment meant so much to me! Thank you for taking the time to be here, to read, and to comment. I agree with you – this is such an interesting (and for me, kind of hard) phase of life. It really helps to know we’re not alone.
Can I ask how old you are, Mel? I’m nearing 46 and am struggling with some of the peri issues too. My Dr. told me I’m too young for it, which I just can’t believe that to be true.
I’m not Mel but I just want you to know, you are not too young at 46. I was going through it at that age too. I don’t know why so many doctors don’t get it! But try another doctor or just find some resources to hopefully shed some light on what you are experiencing.
I highly recommend Dr. Haver’s new book “The New Menopause.” She speaks to changes happening as early as late 30’s. Average age for actual menopause is 50. The 10+ years preceding are peri. Good luck with the doctor convos. A lot of them have static ideas about women’s health, and I don’t fault them – they are busy and exhausted, and it’s what they were taught in med school.
I’m 47 and you are definitely not too young.
Hi Melissa! I’m 46…and I agree with the others who have responded…you are definitely NOT too young! Keep seeking for answers. The thing I’ve learned that’s been the most empowering is that for generations we’ve been told we just need to suck it up and deal with menopause. Endure it and in 10 or 20 or 30 years it’ll be over. Um. Yikes! But so many researchers are showing there are so many things we can do to help ourselves through perimenopause and menopause!
I love anything and everything you post!! I’ve never made a Mel’s recipe that hasn’t been the talk of the town, read a book you liked and not loved it, taken your advice and words to heart and am always SO happy I did. I watched Crash Landing on You after you wrote about it and in this crazy world it makes me laugh-cry on any given day. I could go on and on! Never change! You’re such a bright ☀️☀️ (big) spot on this earth! PS…. Love the red/fuschia dress!!
You are the sweetest, Liz. Thank you. Please make sure to take everything I say with a grain of salt, haha, whatever that really means. I definitely have a lot to learn myself! Appreciate you and so happy you are here.
Sacred struggle is one of my favorite books. So much wisdom! I’m also trying to do better with all the menopause things. They really do make a difference. I keep thinking about what I can do today to help myself in 10, 20, 30 years and beyond. Bring it!
Such a good way to think about it, Paula!
I love checking out your recommendations! I’m going to order some of that electrolyte powder for my son who works out a lot. He goes through the individual packets so fast! 💸
Hope it’s a good solution! We love it.
Adding to the menopause discussion. I caution you about following advice from Huberman (a misinformation specialist) or Dr Haver (she has a supplement line so her advice is designed to sell you something). I highly recommend evidence based folks like Dr Jennifer Gunter & Dr Adrian Chavez (The Nutrition Science podcast). Also Amanda Thebe is awesome
The challenge with Huberman (I’ve been paying attention to him for years), is he invites anyone on whom he can fill time with, from legit, well-researched people to borderline crackpots. If you read Dr Mosconi’s books, they concur with Dr Haver’s new book. Mosconi is the real deal, studying Womens brain health at Weil Cornell. Yes, Haver schleps supplements which is so disappointing, and obviously makes money from being on social media, but don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Thanks, Barbara and Mary! I appreciate the feedback! And totally agree that it is a good idea to be cautious. I’ve found the same thing to be true with other guests Huberman has had on his podcast…I am definitely choosy about which ones I listen to. I appreciate the other recommendations! If you get past the fact that Dr. Haver is selling supplements, her research is very evidence based as well. Thanks again for both of your input!
I love it SO much that you’re reading Sacred Struggle. I am too! Melissa Inouye is so wonderful. I really appreciate the way she thinks. How exciting for your sun to go to the Philippines! Best wishes to him and to you as you send him off. My oldest is 4 years from going, and my Mommy heart is already clinging tighter.
Thanks as always for you and how much you give to us, your community! Thanks also for your personal response to my email. I resisted writing back because I know how busy you are, but I’ve reread it many times and bragged about it to other people!
Did you know Melissa Inouye passed away from cancer a few months ago? I feel like it makes her book even more tender and special. You can always write me back, Melissa! It might take me ages to respond again, but I really mean it when I love hearing from you and others. It means a lot to me that there are personal connections beyond just blogging recipes.
Sure love reading these Friday thoughts posts. So sorry for the loss of your friend. It is hard loosing anyone we know especially to cancer. Menopause is something I have been trying to learn about also. Hello being almost mid 40’s (43) I started strength training about 4 years ago and love it. Wish I would have done more of it when I was younger instead of cardioing myself to death. Trying to eat healthier just like you mentioned. Now if I could only get my teenage boys on board with the eating better😜 I got my 22 year old daughter your cookbook for her birthday and she loves it. anyway, Thanks for all you share!!
I wish I would have started strength training earlier, too, Jessie! And I’m with you – trying to revolutionize the whole family to stop eating Takis and eat more veggies. Ha.
Thank you for your Friday Thoughts. I’m in perimenopause too, but I’m in denial that the big changes are coming.
After school got out, while you were on your camping trip, I took a motorhome trip with my youngest, 16 yo. We spent 13 days driving from Utah to the Canadian Rockies and touring Banff and Jasper National Parks. It was phenomenal there. If you ever want to take a trip there, contact me. I’m something of a family trip-planning wizard.
Next week—family reunion for 7 days with 29 people in a lakefront cabin at Island Park, and guess who is in charge of all the food?
Catherine! That trip sounds absolutely amazing. Banff is on my bucket list – I want to visit there so badly! I don’t want to take advantage of you, but I think you will be getting an email from me. Also, I LOVE Island Park! My extended family has a cabin there right off the Henry’s Lake inlet, and it is a magical place. Good luck with the food!
Where did you get the darling pink and red dress you are wearing in the family photo?
It’s from piperandscoot.com!
Oh, Mel! This post made my month! I’m so glad we made the trek to Idaho from Utah to meet you and have our books signed. (We’re also pretty excited that you posted our photo here!!) I’m going to be checking out the religious books you recommended and I agree that The Choice is a must read, a great companion to Man’s Search for Meaning. I love that she mentions her friendship with Viktor Frankl. Also, The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver (from the Huberman podcast you mentioned) has been a total game changer for me, you should check it out. That’s it, we’re coming to Idaho again or we’re definitely your crew for the Utah signing you should do really soon!
Becky! Thank you for coming up from Utah. I was seriously so blown away by the support and by how many of you traveled to get there. It still makes me a little teray-eyed. Thanks for the book recommendation! I knew Dr. Haver had a book, but haven’t checked it out yet. Will do! I’ll keep you posted if I end up doing a book signing in Utah!
The Dairy Queen mini blizzard idea is GENIUS!!!!!! Thank you for the podcast recommendations – definitely going to listen.
Just got back from a mini blizzard run, actually! 🙂
Was so grateful to meet you for a minute! I awkwardly told you, “Um, I’m Rachel who’s commented for years on your blog because you taught me to cook.” And it’s true. I’m going to go listen to that podcast because I’ve hit the fun train a little early and it’s rocked my world (not just the actuality of it but the lack of people talking and educating about it! WHAT!? Why? As women we all experience it if we hit this magical age, why is it such a secret?) so thank you for blazing a head and finding those for us to listen to!
Rachel! I loved meeting you!! Thanks for making the effort to come. And I TOTALLY agree about wishing more women were talking about this. We all have to face it – let’s discuss!!!!
Started using SunFiber years ago and can’t recommend it enough! Made such a difference for my husband and myself with gut issues, bowel movements and even the processing of cholesterol and heart health.
Good to know, Beth! Thank you!!
I use the same chapstick! My lips get so dry and chapped, especially in winter, and it is the only thing I have found that works for me. I love it!
It really has been a lifesaver for my kids!
I love it when you share about your life! My grandfather was a Major in the Air Force, so I am biased, but Jackson is going into the best branch of military service. I am sure it will be difficult with your two oldest away from home and I hope you share about that transition as my oldest is leaving soon, too.
I appreciate you talking about peri/menopause. This is such a huge part of women’s lives and it isn’t talked about enough.
I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. We recently had a coworker pass from cancer too and she sounds a lot like your friend. Gone too soon.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insight, Jennifer – I appreciate it!
You can Ramble on a Friday or any day for that matter!! Grateful for your thoughts and how much they “mirror” mine today 😊 Waiting on a diagnosis for my sister this morning…on pins and needles right now 😬 You are a shining light for me today…thanks Mel 🥰
Oh, Lisa, so many prayers for your sister (and for you). Hope all is well.
A friend recommended your recipes to me 8 years ago. She said one of her life goals was for her children to pine for her home cooked meals when they grow up, and I’m sure she is on track for that.
Anyway, I enjoy using your recipes with my family and hearing about your life changes and updates. It makes a difference to see more than one faucet of a person’s life.
I am currently in a food making slump. My son who is already a picky eater has just gotten braces, which has reduced what he is willing to eat even more. Your healthy chocolate smoothie still makes the cut, though, thank goodness.
Haha, I love your friend’s life goals. I feel the same!! I’m glad you found your way here. I’m sorry you are in a slump – I hope you are able to pop out of that. It’s REALLY hard when our kids don’t want to eat what we make. Hang in there!!
A camping recipes section on your site would be AMAZING!!!
Yes!! Trying to get that up and running!
I am currently in the middle of rereading the Emma M Lion series—can’t wait for the next one to come out in a couple of months! Also, the minute I saw that t-shirt, I bought one for myself. I arrived yesterday and I can’t wait to wear it!
I’m also in the thick of perimenopause. One of my favorite resources is Menopause Nutritionist on Instagram. She’s a naturopath and intuitive eating nutritionist who shares a lot of great info.
Thanks for the additional menopause recommendation, Amanda! And that makes me irrationally happy that you’ll be walking around in this shirt, too. 🙂 I wore it today to my daughter’s tennis tournament and got a few comments. Haha.
I always love your Friday Thoughts posts. I just want to extend my condolences for the loss of your friend. I hope you and everyone who loves her can find healing and peace ❤️
Thank you so much, Monica.
You are just the best Mel! Like the VERY BEST!❤️❤️❤️
Ah, thank you, Kim! You are the sweetest!
I feel I could say so much, but I will wrap it up by saying I love all the Friday thoughts and you continue to speak from your heart in a way I feel it in mine. And that it doesn’t matter we don’t know each other, I am so proud of you and your cookbook!!!
That is the best feedback, Kellie. Truly. Thank you!!
Where in the Philippines is your son going? My husband and I served in Legazpi (southern end of the main island, Luzon). What an adventure for him and you!
My son’s friend is heading to Legazpi soon! So exciting!
Oh, I’m jealous! We would love to go back and see the people we grew to love.
He’s headed to the Manila mission!
Wow, where to start? I love this Friday post. I love hearing your updates and how the family is doing. Good job to Cam for selling bread! That’s been a great moneymaker for us over the years for the kids’ school trips. Good for Jackson with the Air Force! So excited for Walker to head to the Philippines! Love the update from your book launch – glad it went so well. And thanks for motivating me about weightlifting. 😁
Love you tons!
We have you (and your cute girls) to thank for the bread idea!!
Read every word! I too have done a deep dive on women’s health. The books roar, and next level are both fantastic for female athletes. She has opened up my world to women’s health! As for your friend. This life is so beautifully tragic. Every day is a gift. Relationships are what matters most. I’ve had some complete paradigm shifts around this that have come in some unconventional ways. It has had me reaching outside myself more than ever, and my life is so much fuller because of it. This beautiful life is full of wonder and awe! Loved this Mel! Love you!
Thanks for the book recommendations, Bri! “Beautifully tragic” is such a great way to describe this mortal experience. I know you’ve been through that so personally with the loss of your amazing dad. I love your perspective, Bri, thanks for sharing.
I am so sorry you lost another friend to cancer. Life is hard and unfair. Thoughts and prayers to you and your friend’s family. Thank you for all your thoughts, recommendations, and humor. I appreciate these posts so much!
Thank you, Nicole. There is a certain unfairness to life that will have to make sense some day…but it is hard in the moment.
I made your favorite cookies last night, and your perfect cinnamon rolls twice this last week. I have never, not once in my life, been excited to try recipes until now. Mostly I just improvise and avoid baking. Thank you for being a trusted, warm, bright spot on my cookbook holder!
Sorry for your friend 😢 it sounds like your memories go way back.
Um, I wish I was living at your house this last week!!! I am so happy you have loved the recipes…that makes me so, so happy. Thanks, Tara!
Mel, Thank you for your positivity in this very negative world. I always look forward to your recipe emails and have some saved on my phone to try in the future. Your cookbook is on my Christmas wish list. Your family is lovely. I especially like that you love God and are following His path!
Thank you so much, Judy – and thank you for being here!
Hi Mel,
I’m kind of new to your blog and want to say I enjoyed your Friday post. How kind to share your thoughts and experiences with others. I love the mini blizzard idea! Our small village also has a DQ😀. I’m wondering what your temperature blanket is and whether you are knitting or crocheting.
Enjoy your summer and your lovely family!
Nancy
Thank you so much, Nancy – glad you are here! The temperature blanket was an idea I saw on Instagram where you basically crochet one row every day based on the high temperature for that day. It’s been fun so far but I am REALLY behind!
Hi Mel! Love your Friday thoughts posts. I was so bummed to miss your fun event (boo summer colds!). A few things we have in common right now… My son starts his mission on July 1! And I too have been diving into the world of menopause awareness (also thx to Dr Haver). It’s been so empowering! Yay for focusing on fiber, protein, and added sugar intake! ☺️ I’ve been using the Cronometer app she recommends and LOVE it way more than MFP. Thx for your powerful and positive influence in the world! ❤️
I’ve been using that app, too, Cathy! It’s been great. Sad to have missed you at the book event, but we should just make our paths cross intentionally since we live in the same area! That’s fun we have missionaries on the same timeline. I’ll have to message you and find out where your son is going!
Real life 101! What a beautiful update and post about your family and your life! I like that what you share relates to real women, nothing polished up. Thanks for all the many recipes through the years! I have your new cookbook and will be savoring it soon! Its on my end table ready to read. I’ve been busy the last month, but will be enjoying next week as we travel for our anniversary and birthday. Blessings to you!
Ah, so excited for you to have a week of traveling and *hopefully* down time. Enjoy it, Cheryl!
I always enjoy catching up with you! Our summer is going well, we just returned from a 4 night stay in NYC, my son’s HS graduation trip! The trip exceeded our expectations and the weather was perfect/cool! My daughter and I are working our way through your cookbook and Indian Butter Chicken is up next as she spent her freshman year at college eating the only option available in her building…Indian Bistro 🙂 Loving the links too, thank you! I feel your heart about your friend, so sorry. Hugs!
Sounds like such a fun trip, Melanie!! Thank you for sharing a tiny piece of your life with me. So honored you and your daughter are working your way through the book – love that!
We went out of town where it is cooler than my sunny and hot Phoenix based home and I FINALLY got to hear my hoodie from the book launch. It made me so happy and reminded me od that evening. It was such a pleasure to be there and enjoy the evening. So glad you did that.
I’m so curious about the hormone stuff.in going to have to take a deep dive into myself. My mom passed away so I don’t have her as a point of reference.
I’m jealous of your garden! My soil has some issues. My tomatoes keep growing and rotting. Asking me how I grow tomatoes in 110+ weather? Shade and lots of water. 😆
Haha, glad the hoodie got some use! Also: don’t know how you survive those crazy hot summers! So happy I got to meet you!
As always, another wonderful Friday thoughts post. So sorry to hear about the passing of your dear friend Liz.
So much in the post this week… Love the Re-Lyte Hydration mixes and use these daily myself. Excited about your shop reopening and snagging a Homebody hoddie, fellow homebody here. Love that you plant a garden for the salsa. Ive been making fermented salsa the last few years, game changer for helping with gut health. I’m in the peri/menopause stage of life as well. Nutrition background here and everyone is different, but many individuals get 2-3 x’s more protein than is actually needed by the body. It’s rare to be protein deficient. It’s found in almost all whole foods. Best advice is to get your protein and fiber from whole foods rather than supplements. Your body is more efficient at utilizing it. Also getting protein from plant sources, at least some of the time, will give you more bang for your buck. Beans and other plant foods contain fiber and protein.
A good goal would be to gradually increase the whole foods and decrease reliance on ultra processed bars and snack foods.
Great input, Vickie! I agree about trying to get protein and fiber from whole foods – that’s a great goal! Also, if you see this, I’d love to know more about your fermented salsa.
Fermented salsas are so delicious, just like regular salsa, only you ferment them for 3 days. Then you get additional benefits of fermented foods. Not sure if you are doing any fermenting currently, but I like the Easy Fermenter lids from Nourished Essentials. They fit wide mouth mason/ball jars. Easy, easy way to ferment. You can also get glass weights for Fermenting other vegetables. The lids come with a little booklet that has a basic salsa recipe. Or my favorite fermented salsa recipe is a Smoky pineapple salsa in The Fiber Fueled Cookbook. It has dried chile peppers. Hope that helps.
Not sure if my earlier response went through, so will try this again. Fermented salsa is similar to regular, only once you make your fresh salsa, you set it aside for 3 days to ferment. Then it builds all those beneficial bacteria. If your not familiar with fermenting. I love and use The Easy Fermenter lid by Nourished Essentials. You can also get glass weights to ferments other vegetables. The lids fit all wide mouth mason/ball jars. For recipes. The lids come with a little booklet that has a pretty good fermented salsa recipe. My favorite though, is a Smoky pineapple salsa from The Fiber Fueled Cookbook that has dried ancho chiles. If you’re really interested in fermenting, my favorite book is Fermented Vegetables by Kirsten K Shockey and Christopher Shockey. Hope that helps.
I loved every word of learning about your current world. Meandering is my style, and you packed so much into your blog post. I’m sorry for the passing of your friend Liz. We can learn from her how to live.
So true, Gretchen.
I am sorry for the loss of your friend and you are absolutely OK to feel sad. Your feelings are your feelings and don’t discount those of people who were closer to her; your friendship was special too.
Thanks, Beth.
No input really, but just thanks for being real and sharing what’s in your heart!!
Thanks, friend.
You are an amazingly positive and uplifting person. I feel as if I know you because your writing is so clear and honest.
That was so kind – thank you!
How long are the Sadie active workouts? Good for you for doing them- I also think strength training is important!
Hi Jenn, the workouts are about 45 minutes (maybe longer depending on what equipment you are using, etc) but they are easy to tailor and make shorter by reducing sets. I usually try to keep them right around 35 minutes.
I always love your Friday thoughts! On the fiber issue, have you tried Ollipop? I know there are several of the sodas with fiber but I like this one the best. I like the strawberry vanilla and orange flavors. (Note, I only buy them from a supermarket. I thought they were gross when I ordered them online but I think the shipping company didn’t refrigerate them and they went rancid.)
I haven’t tried Ollipop! Heard a lot about it but haven’t tried it. Will check it out!
Grateful for your corner of the web! Keep shining and spreading your light. Thank you for your example and love into the world!
P.S. The cookbook is my most treasured friend. I’ve been a follower of the blog from the beginning and the cookbook is like reuniting with that beloved friend from high school. So, so grateful for all of your efforts!!
Thank you so much, Kristen – reading that made my day in a big way.
If you don’t mind my asking, how much is the weight lifting app? I went on to the app store to find it and can’t for the life of me figure out how much it costs!
I went in and out looks like 9.99/month or 99.99/year
Yep, Tiffany is right – it’s $9.99 a month
Thank you for such an upbeat way to start the morning! I truly enjoy your Friday posts, and your cookbook which is always out on the countertop. I wanted to mention the books and YouTube presentations by Dr. Lani Simpson. She is an amazing resource for bone health information, which is something I just took for granted and am now having to mitigate the consequences. So thank you for the great protein ideas. I will add them in (along with the cinnamon scones!).
Thank you for the recommendation!! Will check out her information for sure!
Hey Mel, I’m on my menopause education journey as well. I’m following Dr. Mary Claire Haver and have read both her books and the above mentioned podcast. I’ll have to listen to the other one. I’m so glad this is all coming to the forefront! Have you tried the Good Culture cottage cheese? It’s my favorite and it has probiotics. Yogurt is hard for me to get down.
I’ve heard of that cottage cheese but haven’t ever tried it. I’ll look for it!