1. Isabelle got her expander this week! She was excited to get it (I think it made her feel like a big kid); she did well getting it placed and hasn’t had too many issues since. It was sore a little bit off and on for the day after, and the first time she ate and drank, it felt very weird for her, but she got used to it pretty quickly.
2. Halloween candy – full size candy bars or minis? I have always loved giving out full size bars, but now that we have kids trick or treating, when given the chance to have something from their stash after Halloween, they’d much rather eat two different smaller items than one large candy bar (and most times they don’t even finish the whole bar). So now I’m leaning towards the mini size (and I also love handing out things like fruit snacks, pretzels, etc)… what do you do?
3. A great nugget from a James Clear newsletter:
“Compete externally and you compare.
Compete internally and you improve.”
4. Let’s talk pre-peeled garlic. The last time I was at the grocery store, I almost grabbed a bag from the refrigerated section but then just grabbed regular instead. It seems like such a nice shortcut, but I wasn’t sure how fresh the garlic might be. Does anyone use it? Tell me about it! Is it worth getting?
5. Good reminders >> 25 Little Ways to Have a Better Relationship With Your Phone
6. What type of apple pie is your favorite? I’ll go for Dutch apple pie any time I have an option!
7. Great article if mornings are feeling frantic >> 7 Ways to Reduce Stress in the Morning… #1 (wake up earlier) has been a game changer for me. At the beginning of this school year, it seemed we were always rushing to get out the door on time; about a month ago, I started making sure the kids were awake 15 minutes earlier than I had been. It has made a WORLD of difference; there is hardly any rushing now. It’s not that much time, but it made a huge impact.
8. A couple of weeks ago we talked about slow cookers and instant pots; I’d love your slow cooker recommendations! The last time I used my programmable one this summer, it took twice as long as it should have to cook ribs, so I think the heating element is going. I’d like to get a replacement now that we’re heading into cozy food weather; what do you have and love?? I did check America’s Test Kitchen reviews and their highest rated ones are the Hamilton Beach (traditional) and Cuisinart (has searing capabilities). I’ve had my current one for probably close to 10 years, so it’s been a long time since I’ve shopped for one!
9. We’ve started watching the new season of Trigger Point (BritBox) and gosh, it’s so good and suspenseful!
10. TGIF! The sweetest of friends 🩷💙
