Okay, my friends. I’ve cleared all cute kiddos from my house and sworn not to leave this computer until this post is complete – As promised, Here is the update on all things TIDBITS and the insane past year – let’s dive in!
Before we jump in, I 100% respect that some of you are just here for the food and couldn’t care less about why I disappeared for over a year. To you I say . . .
I totally understand that knowing my story is not on your agenda; go check out this “Make All Summer Long” Berry Salad and I’ll see you when I post something yummy 🙂
To the others who have been sending the sweetest, most tear-jerking emails asking if everything is okay . . . big hugs to all of you and please let’s all jump on a cruise boat and take a week-long vacation together, kay?
I’ve been telling you an update is coming for some time now. Apologies for taking so long! Let my hideous grown-out hair be evidence of the fact that lately, the mere act of taking a deep breath has felt too time-consuming some days.
If you’ve been here awhile, you know these posts used to be called “TIDBITS Talks”. Since my blog is no longer named “TIDBITS”, we’ll simply call today’s post “Here’s What’s Up” until I can come up with something a bit more catchy 🙂
Also traditional to TIDBITS Talks is a new Crio Bru recipe for you to try. I don’t have a new one for you but let’s just say I will be surviving summer with a chilled glass of Iced Crio Bru in my hand at all times. If you haven’t tried Crio Bru yet and want to, use my code MARCITIDBITS10 to get 10% off your first order placed here.
GIVEAWAY HINT
Also a tradition for these chats is a giveaway. Let’s mix it up a bit! Instead of the usual Crio Bru giveaway, how about a box of InstaFreeze Meals? That’s 6 Instant Pot freezer meals delivered from my store to your house. MORE DETAILS ON THAT BELOW!
GIVEAWAY NOW OVER!
Okay, enough intro; Here’s the agenda for today!
- What happened to TIDBITS?
- InstaFreeze Meals, AKA the reason I disappeared
- My thyroid surprise, AKA the other reason I disappeared
- My Mini Me
- Loving Lately – My spicy infatuation
- Your Favorites – gimme!
- What’s next
- Giveaway Details
1) WHAT HAPPENED TO TIDBITS?
My sister Cami and I wrote together on the blog TIDBITS for several years so since the name change I’ve had a few people ask me if my sister I had a fallout.
This question always makes me laugh! Nope, we’re still sister besties, live 5 minutes from each other, talk often, and have zero TIDBITS drama.
With Cami expanding her TIDBITS brand and me expanding my freezer meal business, it just made sense to split the blog up. So you can now find all of Cami’s gorgeous DIY decor over here and all the Instant Pot goodies I provide here under my new name, InstaFresh Meals.
Sorry, no juicy gossip here. If Cami and I fight, it’s over which Hu Chocolate Bar is the best. That’s about as exciting as it gets.
2) INSTAFREEZE MEALS
Now for the reason I up and disappeared for a year . . .
My sister Maegan and I opened the doors to our Instant Pot freezer meal business, InstaFreeze Meals in March of 2022. Here’s us all dolled up on Grand Opening Day.
To quickly state the obvious, don’t confuse the two names. InstaFresh Meals is the blog, InstaFreeze Meals is the biz. Don’t ask me how many times I’ve messed this up . . .
What started out as a project we felt sure we could do as a side gig, quickly turned into the most life-consuming venture imaginable.
We started strong thinking we knew enough about business, marketing, social media, etc, only to realize quite quickly that there weren’t enough hours in the day to do it all on our own.
Combine this with a rapid rise in grocery prices, employee drama, and the fact that, oh yeah, we’re also full-time moms . . . the blogging priority went straight to the bottom of the list right next to “sleeping more than 5 hours”.
It has been a WHIRLWIND! If I had known, I honestly wouldn’t have done it. But also, I’m glad I didn’t know, because the miracles I’ve witnessed over the past year have been life-changing.
My sis and I started this business to help other moms get dinner on the table and by doing so, get the family back to the dinner table, talking, interacting, and creating lifelong relationships and memories. Our customers’ stories confirming how the meals have blessed their lives are what keeps us going amidst no sleep and max stress.
We’ve learned a lot since March 2022. We now have the most incredible team supporting us on everything from marketing to tech to finances, and it’s unbelievable how much better 2023 has felt.
BIG NEWS: Our ultimate goal is to turn our freezer meals into a product that can be shipped all over the US. Well, we’re almost there! We will be offering our meals to a small group of beta testers very soon.
And who are our beta testers you might ask? YOU!
I sent out a newsletter to all of you recently asking if anyone would be interested in trying it out first and the response had me in a pile of humbled, grateful tears. I love you guys so dang much! I feel so honored to have you try these meals first. I can’t even tell you how “full circle” amazing this feels.
If you’re reading this post, it’s likely you are already a part of my newsletter, but if you’re not and want to know when we open up our first beta run, you can subscribe here.
Now you know why I up and disappeared!
I miss the blog and all of you so much. Change is not something I love, but I believe that perhaps there is a bigger plan here. That quite possibly the blog was born so that InstaFreeze could also be. We shall see how this adventure continues to play out!
3) MY HEALTH SURPRISE
Oh yeah, the other reason I checked out.
I mentioned it briefly and created some concern, so I’ll give a quick update on this one.
My Nurse Practioner discovered a lump on my thyroid during a routine physical and sent me for an ultrasound. From there things snowballed rapidly.
Within about a month’s time the lump grew rapidly to the point that I was sure I was going to suffocate in my sleep. My surgeon had me in surgery 3 days after he saw me.
Me and pup got stitches the same week. Of course, mine wasn’t from chasing cars . . .
Thankfully there was no cancer and they were able to preserve half of my thyroid, but I’ll admit that the recovery wasn’t my favorite.
I lost a lot of hair, felt exhaustion at a whole new level, wasn’t allowed to run (which always makes me mad), etc. I feel much better now but my labs are still a little off while my leftover thyroid decides if it’s gonna cover the job of a whole thyroid.
I’ve gone down many rabbit holes googling “How to restore full thyroid function” (if you have tips, let me have it). I’m happy to report that my numbers are trending toward normal and I pray daily that it keeps going in that direction.
4) MY MINI ME
Alright, I need your opinion.
My daughter . . . what a rockstar she is. Being the quiet, scared-to-try-anything-new, little girl I was, I wonder, “Where did you come from?”
She’s a dog trainer assistant by day but wants to start a new gig creating prints. Think wall art, water bottle stickers, kid coloring books, etc.
I would love to teach and guide her on all things website creation, money management, customer service, etc but I DO NOT WANT MY 12 YEAR OLD ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Which means, she doesn’t have much potential for an audience outside of knocking on neighbors’ doors.
I’m thinking of giving her a paragraph at the end of my weekly recipe newsletter that I email out to you all to share her latest design. This way she has an audience she can practice with without entering the Social Media world.
So be honest with me on this: Would this bother any of you? I’ve gone back and forth so many times on it that I figured I’d straight out ask before I give her the go-ahead to promote her prints to you. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
5) Loving Lately
Oh how I love telling you about new products I’ve discovered! I would die to have the job of “product tester”. Until then, I’ll just be over here ordering way too many things from Amazon, thank you very much.
Momofuku Chili Crunch: I saw chili crunch popping up everywhere and disregarded it for several months because it looked like a bottle of oil and red pepper flakes – eww. Was I ever wrong! I’ve tried 3 brands and this Momofuku brand is hands down my favorite. It’s spicy, crunchy, and blow your face off flavorful. If you’ve been wanting to try the chili crisp trend, this is the one to buy!
Desk Treadmill: My desk treadmill has revolutionized my work life. To sit for hours on end makes my body ache all over. Instead, I raise my desk, roll my treadmill under my desk, and walk at 2.5 speed. It was a little awkward at first, typing and walking, but after a minute your body and eyes adjust, and it becomes effortless. It makes for interesting Zoom meetings, but it has CHANGED MY LIFE! I love it so much.
Reef Summer Sandal: I am in love with these! I can wear them through muddy water and they still spray off clean! They’re like Crocs, but cute (don’t tell my daughter I said that, haha!)
One Shoulder Swim Suit: I’ve had the same swimsuit for 6 years so I decided it was time for a new one. This one shoulder suit is so flattering, post twin belly and all. There are lots of colors to pick from too!
Blinc Tubing Mascara: Did you know “tube” mascara existed? It’s the greatest thing ever and after trying out 3 different brands, Blinc is my favorite. It stays put all day, even when I go to the pool, and comes off easy with cold cream. Unless you all have a brand you like better, I’m gonna say I’m a Blinc fan for life!
Owala Water Bottle: Tried Stanley, hated that it leaked. Saw this new Owala version and I LOVE IT! Doesn’t leak, cute colors, fits in my car, and I can still be stubborn about not following the Stanley trend 🙂
6) “Best” Products I’m Looking For
Alright, now it’s your turn! I’m looking for “favorites” in these categories. I’d love to hear what you’ve found!
- Best Walking Sneakers (anyone tried Kiziks?)
- Best Motion Sickness cures for a Cruise ship
- Best Natural Deoderant
- Best Hair Regrowth Product
- Best Chapstick/Lip Balm
7) What’s Next
So what’s next for TIDBITS, er, InstaFresh Meals?
I would love to know the answer to that question too!
I’ve got recipes on file that need to be shot, written, and posted that I can’t possibly imagine finding time for right now (makes me cry).
But the second I heard a friend suggest changing my blog name to “InstaFresh Meals”, I knew it was meant to be. I will not be surprised if my blog InstaFresh somehow compliments my business InstaFreeze someday. I’m as anxious as you are to discover what it all turns into!
Until then, expect to see weekly emails from me showcasing past recipes PLUS never before seen recipes that I don’t have time to post on my blog so I’m throwing them in emails!
Thank you my wonderful friends! I adore all of you and have chills all over thinking about the years we’ve had together. I can’t wait to serve you in bigger, better ways in the future!
Hands down my favorite lip balm is,
LYPSYL. I have used it for years.
Cayenne Pepper to restore and get thyroid up to par again.
Poultice or internally.
Lanolin for lips at night.
Bonine for motion sickness. Its non drowsy
Glad to see you’re back! Would welcome your daughter’s prints and what a great way to guide her.
Hope your new business is successful and happy to hear that your health issues aren’t deterring your efforts! I’ve been addicted to Natural Ice Original lip balm for years. I purchase 10 at a time at my Costco pharmacy where they keep it behind the counter. I love my Sketchers Go Walk Joy’s–like walking on pillows! Having hair thinning issues is the worst. I lost most of my hair a couple years ago from an illness and used Biotin oil on my hair as well as an oral supplement. I’m not sure if it helped so much but my hair seems to be back to normal now.
I’ve driven past InstaFreeze many times and figured that’s where you were. 🙂 Congrats on the new adventure! I need to try some.
I love that you’re fighting against the Stanley trend, too–I don’t get the obsession! But now I have my own obsession with Owala. 🙂 I didn’t know they had the version with then handle & straw. But have you tried the other one with the sip spout? It’s spill-proof and can be throw in a bag and then with one simple button push you can sip like a straw–very cool! I can get behind a trend only when it’s functional. 🙂
Love all of your recipes, keep them coming. So glad that you are feeling better and hope and pray that everyday you continue to see improvement. I’ve been using Nic:ely Natural Deodorant for a few years now. It has zero aluminium, phthlataes, pharabens, 100% vegan b & cruelty free. It is so much better than the regular store bought brands and I get it on Amazon. I also love Lemon Ginger Chews. They really help with upset stomachs and are all natural.
It is so great to have you back! Thank you for the update and I hope that you feel all the love from us! <3 I think it would be wonderful for your daughter to be included on this! As a teacher, I'm so glad you're protecting her from social media! I can't wait to try all the new recipes! Instafreeze meals?! Yes, please! <3 <3
Really glad to hear that you are doing better! What a year you have had!!
I think it’s a good thing to have your daughter in on the fun—it’s scary out there for kids—keep them safe!!
Good luck with it all. Prayers for a full recovery.
Thank you for the update! I’m sorry you’re going through thyroid issues: I am hypo and it’s been kind of crazy trying to balance supplements, etc. Hope you recoup quickly…I know fatigue is really an issue. I really like Skechers Go Walk, but I also love my Rykas! For me, I can only find them online on Kohls, but they fit really well! Best of luck with your new venture!!
Oh Marci, I am so happy to have you back here! Collectively, we have all missed you very much. First of all, I love the idea of your daughter sharing her designs on your blogs–she is a doll and this is a great way to accomplish her goal and keep her off social media. I have huge issues with kids on social media too and thankfully my boys do a great job keeping our grandgirls from venturing out into that realm. Secondly, I make my own deodorant using your friend Laura’s (Our Oily House) recipe. It works great and I made it for my husband too and he loves it. Sorry about your thyroid, but so glad it wasn’t cancer. I deal with Hashimtos and take Armour thyroid and selenium, but I suspect you have to do something else. I did lose a lot of my hair and it hasn’t come back, so I would love to hear about that aspect too. And finally, I always enjoy your recipes
I would love to see your daughters ideas! I commend you for keeping her off social media! I don’t care for social media and young people are often consumed by it. Sometimes we need to take a break and you very much deserve one! Thank you for all the recipes and tidbits you have shared!
Loved reading the update. Your daughter promoting her business would definitely not bother me. That’s a great way for her to get started. 🙂
Hi! Thx for the update. So many exciting things for you! Happy to hear your thyroid wasn’t cancer!!!Sending healing thoughts. I would love to see your fearless daughter’s designs.
I too was a little girl who was afraid of many things. It’s amazing to see your daughter riding motorcycles!! I’m soooo happy no one in her life made her think she can’t do that bc she’s a girl.
Also, will you pls share your findings of the best walking shoe?
I’d love to see your kid’s designs!
Also I love the simple burts bees lip balm, but if I’m somewhere very dry or cold and I need the good stuff, nothing works like Vaseline.
So glad to hear you are not battling cancer and I pray your remainder thyroid gland stabilizes.
I think it would be super to have a paragraph or two covering what your daughter is up to. Go for it!
Glad you are back and healthy.
Crystal is my fav deodorant.
Love the colors on the Owala cups
I love Aveda Lip Saver—one application lasts much longer than any other chapstick I’ve tried
Best natural motion sickness product I have found is GinGin ginger candy. Settles your stomach if you eat too much also. I would suggest a teaspoon of honey with a pinch of ginger, it works fast, but if cruise ships are anything like airlines it wouldn’t make it on board. Good to see you back. I understand how being busy and having health problems as well as a young family can make it hard to keep up with everything. Been there, done that, and it ain’t over yet even though I’m retired now. I would love to see your daughter’s creations in your newsletter.
Thank you for your post and take care of yourself!!
You’re so smart to keep your daughter off of social media! I’d love to see her creations and think posts from her here are a great way to get her feet wet!
I’m excited for the meals to be shipped – I’m in CA and can’t wait!
Hi again, forgot to add that I would love to see your daughter’s comments, etc. If she’s interested in creating things to see, does she have a Cricut machine? It could be a game changer for her!
Hi Marci, you asked about a natural deodorant…I buy from Grove Collaborative (grove.com) and they have Peach (brand name, not scent) all natural. It goes on smooth, doesn’t clump or stain AND the metal case is refillable, thus helping to rid the planet of plastics. It lasts a couple of days on me (however I’m a grandma who’s not too active). And I’m delighted your thyroid surgery went well. I had para-thyroid surgery 2 years ago and have recovered nicely. Hugs
Glad to see you back. Tumultuous year for you to be sure! Best wishes for all you have upcoming.
I have missed you. So good to hear you are on the mend. My favorite lip balm is:
It’s All Good
Coconut
Organic Lip Balm Peppermint
Made in U.S.A
@www.bethebalm.com
I am so happy to see you are doing well with the thyroid situation. I hope the down side improves very soon for you.
Having your daughter add to your newsletter would be a wonderful thing! Imagine if we
could all have this outlet for new entrepreneurs to keep them interested in any small
business they are interested in. I’m very much a small business fan and I love to help them whenever I can. Thanks for your update!
I think this is the perfect place for your daughter to get her feet wet with her new business. I look forward to seeing her creations.
Marci, I am very glad you are on the mend and hope the rest doesn’t take too long. I hope your doc (endocrinologist, I hope!) is also checking your calcium and vitamin D levels among others to be sure your PARAthyroid glands are working well. I had my thyroid removed for a goiter and my parathyroid glands decided to stop working well (Google them. There are 4 of them typically and sit on the thyroid gland but are entirely separate) They control the calcium levels in your body and are essential. My parathyroid glands have been waking up so I am much better but you need to know that they are OK. It’s not real common but hypoparathyroidism is not fun. I think the merging of the two names makes great sense! A big hit for both I hope! I would be delighted to see your daughter’s work! Tell her to go for it and you help out. LOL
Thanks for the update. Good luck with the new business.
By the way, my friend ordered Kizik and she says they are very heavy.
How delightful that you’re back and prayers offered for continued healing of your half-thyroid. Yes, letting your daughter post information on your emails is a good idea – as is keeping her from social media. I look forward to receiving your emails/posts/recipes.
First off, I’m so glad you are healing! ❤️
It would be awesome to have your daughter having space in your newsletter. ❤️
My herbalist highly recommends Nutrafol and uses it herself.
Hope you work some sleep in. We all need enough of that. ❤️
Thank you for updating us! I wish you all the best in your new journey!
So my favorite lip balm is from http://www.vintagetraditions.com
It’s made from tallow from grass fed cows and it’s awesome!!! It sounds kinda gross, but it works!
So glad to know what’s been going on and that you’re on the road to recovery. Great pic of the family (and how much the kids have grown!) Take care of yourself!
I think it would be awesome to see what your daughter is creating. This is the perfect spot to help her out. You sound like one busy woman, and I know I couldn’t keep up! Thanks for all you do!
I like the way you are protecting your daughter from social media. I would not be offended to see what she produces. i have just started an Etsy shop and having fun reinventing myself, just like you have done. Congratulations.
I would love to see what your daughter has to share!
I am so glad that your health is on the mend!!
The natural deodorants I use are:
Arm &Hammer essentials w/ natural deodorizers (what I’m using now) and Tom’s of Maine deodorant (I used for years). Hope things continue to get better for you! Good Luck with Instafreeze expansion, I am trying to wait patiently! ????
Glad you are “ok!” & sorry you’ve had to go thru so much! Can’t wait to try your meals! And yes, your daughter can & should share on here! Kudos to not wanting her on social media!
Try Vitality essential oils “hair envy” for your hair re-growth! ???? hugs & prayers!!!! Cindy
Of course your daughter needs to share here. Great newsletter. Great Job!
well, this was fun to read! i can’t wait to learn more (and try) your instafresh meals! great idea. and Bonine is OTC – really good for motion sickness on a cruise. (they often offer it at the concierge desk, but any drug store carries it). I’d love to read what your daughter is doing; i think it’s fine to give her some space on your page. and the best natural deodorant i have ever used, i made myself from a recipe i found online. best of luck in your new adventures!
I am glad the thyroid issues are diminishing and hope it continues to do so.
I’m all for showcasing your daughters work with your emails. Would you consider Etsy as a place she may also work through?
Best wishes in your endeavors.
So glad to have you back! I’d love to see your daughter’s art! Buts it’s kinda funny to think now “just your neighbors” isn’t enough of a reach and pre-internet that’s all we had! Not a terrible way for a 12 y/o to start. If she sticks with it, maybe open an Etsy shop?
First off glad to hear your healthy & on the road to recovery with your thyroid. Love the name change, Please show us your daughters designs, good to start with people you trust which is you fan base. Looking forward to new recipes. Best of Luck you got a lot going on. ????
I love that you will be shipping meals! I’ve tried a lot of delivery services and they are great, but I would love to just dump something in my pot and be done with it. Will definitely try as soon as you are ready to ship to the Pacific Northwest!!
I am soooo interested in your upcoming freezer meals. What a great way to get in control. I live alone and I think. this would be a great way. The picture of your meals made me hungry. It is time to clean out the fridge and freezer.
Yay! I’ve missed seeing your posts. So sorry to hear about your thyroid problems.
Definitely let your daughter showcase her art designs!
The only shoes I wear are by Gravity Defyer, their Mighty Walks are my current fave style of sneakers. Tom’s of Maine is the natural deodorant I prefer.
Looking forward to receiving your weekly emails with recipes. If you have one using the chili crunch please post it. ????
So happy your back and doing great! Would love to see your daughters prints and the best natural deodorant I have found is LUME.
I’m so happy to see you back! I’ve been following you and your sister for many years and tried your recipes and loved them! I also have loved your sister’s DIY’s and done some of her projects.
I’m sorry to hear about the thyroid surgery but I’m glad to hear your recovering and lab numbers are on the right track!
All that to say, I’m excited about your new venture with the freezer meals and look forward to trying them. ????
So happy you are back!
So happy you’re back! I use my instant pot several times each week and have tried many of your recipes not a bad one in the bunch. I wanted to order your freezer meals when first introduced, but live too far in the great state of Texas. If this area opens up, I will give them a try. Thanks for sharing your recipes and tips.
Why, hello! I’ve missed you! Glad your business is doing well and you’re recovering from your thyroid surprise. (I kind of dropped off the grid too. We moved, our internet sucks, and my art keeps me busy). Please do share your daughter’s ideas, etc. I think that’s a great way to gauge interest. I’m looking forward to the recipes – they always inspire me!
Welcome back!
????Cecilia
Sorry to hear about your thyroid and am glad to hear you are healing!
My favorite natural deodorant is Tom’s of Maine.
Ever since my radiation therapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1986-87, my underarm skin is very sensitive. I tried several brands of deodorant, and the only one that keeps me from having itchy skin is Tom’s.
I think that it would be wonderful to add your daughter’s work to your blog. I look forward to seeing it.
I’m also glad to hear that your thyroid growths were NOT cancerous! What a relief. that must be for you! I take thyroid medication daily, and I’ve also developed some growths on my thyroid, which are not malignant and are followed by my endocrinologist regularly.
Best of luck in your new endeavors!
Glad you’re doing better. I’ve had thyroid disease for 30+ years. I can only imagine what you’re going through. God bless.
PS – My daughter and I found a chapstick at Dollar Tree. We like it and think it works pretty dang good. (My daughter is obsessed with lip balm and hand moisturizer ????????) It comes as a two-pack. It’s:
Salt Range
Himalayan Pink Salt
Moisturizing Lip Balm
Cherry and Shea Butter
You are amazing and your blog is so refreshing and honest. I wish you the best success in your business adventure and yes let your daughter have a space on your blog, I agree she is to young for her own but through your blog she can learn what works and how to manage a business.
Keep up the amazing work.
How exciting! Lots of fun new changes!
No problem adding your daughter to any part of your blog/email. Would Etsy be an alternative? Not really social media and I’ve never heard of any issues with it
Yes to your daughter sharing her latest designs! I’m thankful that you’re recovering and that it wasn’t cancerous; I can imagine how scary that might have been for you.
Welcome back! Great to see you posting and sharing again. I look forward to seeing more!❤️????????????
I can’t live without this product for my dry and chapped lips!
https://www.paulaschoice.com/lip-and-body-treatment-balm/550.html
Thanks so much for the update, love reading your posts!
Instant pot specific freezer meals would be fantastic. I’ve tried other freezer meal options and haven’t had good luck with the Instant Pot. I’m wishing you great success !
I’m so glad you are feeling better!
I think it’s great you want to post your daughters stuff. I won’t let my 14 yo daughter have social media still. So
I get it.
Love the meals! My sister bought your book and buys crio bru often so I’ve tried them both and love them. So easy and tasty. Thank you for all the suggestions and the recipes!
I’m SO anxious to try the InstaFreeze (is that right, LOL?) meals. I’m totally in love with my IP, and I’m always delighted with new ideas for how to use it.
I’d be delighted to get your daughter’s sticker ideas. Kudo’s to you for keeping her out of social media!
It’s so great to see you back and to hear of all your accomplishments. I’ve always enjoyed your instant pot recipes and look forward to hearing more about your freezer meals. What a great idea. No fuss, no muss. . I would enjoy seeing your daughters artistic ability shine through on your site. What a great way for her to get started in some thing she loves at 12 years old. Be well! Enjoy this new venture!
Glad you’re back and all is “okay”.
Just to comment on your daughter’s initiative… Hey, it’s YOUR business… You can do what you want!!! I think it’s lovely you want to keep her off social media. And the page has popup ads all over it. At least this way as a ‘P.S. In the Sassy Sticky (or whatever she calls it) world…check out the newest! ‘
Why not! Thanks for asking!
I’m excited to have all the new recipes and see what the future holds for you!
Looking forward to your meals being shipped! Welcome back!
What a year+ you’ve had!! I’m glad you’re back. And I think this is a perfect platform to share what your daughter is creating.
As for deodorant, I love Bubble and Bee. I put their Pit Primer in a tiny spray bottle and use a spray or two before I put on the deodorant. I love their Pit Perfect in peppermint vanilla. During the summer months, I double up with Pit Buddy. I’ve used the Pit Putty, and it works great—but the texture of the Perfect is better.
For chapstick, I’m a HUGE fan of Burts Bees HONEY lip balm. I’ve used it for years and it is the most effective thing I’ve found to keep my lips moisturized. Nothing else even comes close! It has to be the honey version, though. The other flavors/types are a different texture and don’t work the same way.
For sneakers, I second the Sketchers Go Walk. After having a pair of the Flex for a year, I just bought two more of them in different colors. They’re super comfortable and easy to slip on and off.
I’m excited for when the meals can be shipped. Would be an awesome time saver for me during baseball season. I love Little Seed Farm’s deodorant. They work and have amazing scents.
Welcome back!! Isabel Wentz has extensive knowledge on thyroid health she has written many helpful books! Take care and looking forward to the changes! And oh – of course I support you supporting your daughters ventures!! ❤️
I love all the updates. I do adore Instafreeze Meals and the Insta Fresh blog. I can’t wait for the new yummy recipes.
I’M SO HAPPY YOU’RE BACK!! I see the connections in the details, and am so proud of you Marci. I love you to pieces!!! ????????
1- the sandals are currently in my Amazon cart, and the swimsuit in my lists. Thank you!
2- please please have your daughter share here!! Also, how is she designing her own prints?
3- THANK YOU for the recipes, I love them!!
4- let me know about the shipping freezer meals, Oregon isn’t too far away ♥️
WOW What a year for you!!! Looking forward to seeing your daughter’s art…and your freezer meals! Fave lip care is original black labeled chapstick.
Good to you back. Best motion chapstick I’ve found is Cindy Jacobs Boom Stick Glo. Expensive but worth it. I think it would be great to post your daughter’s art business here.
Thanks for the update. I’m glad your health is better.
Glad you’re back! I would love to see your daughter’s designs. We have to support creativity and young entrepreneurs.
Thanks for sharing! Isn’t life an adventure? Thanks for making it a delicious one. Hang in there!
Great to hear from you. Praying for you, your thyroid and Instafreshmeals!
I am thankful to have you back, Marci! Have loved following you and Cami for quite awhile and did miss you while you were busy. Best of luck with your new business..sounds amazing to just pop one in the instapot and voila…dinner is ready! Also would love to see your daughter’s prints. Peace and Grace!
What a great ministry for busy, young moms. I know many that this would be so helpful. Healthy meals for busy families.
Love all the updates! What an amazing year with all the ups and downs!
Glad to hear you are in recovery, and continuing on with new businesses. I try to remind myself to “just remember one step at a time, and to be mindful and in the moment”, which helps me to focus on now and be more patient and positive (I said “helps”, doesn’t always work 100%).
I think posting your daughter’s prints would be a wonderful idea.
And I continue to thank you for recommending Crio Bru years ago, I enjoy it daily.
I totally agree about no social media for your sweet girl. I don’t have any. But I get that the business she wants almost needs the promotion that way. I say add her stuff to the bottom of your emails. And I second someone else’s suggestion. Farmers markets, city things around you guys. She needs to love this and not get overwhelmed when it blows up. Maybe even getting her an internship with a designer or something like that could help her start in a way that she can grow it as she grows.
I am a fan of iced crio in the summer. So good!
Good luck with all the things!
Thank you for the recipes to make life easier & less full of takeout.
Good luck on your continued improved health.
Wishing you all the best – what a great idea! And yes, share your daughters things!
Hey Marci – so glad that you’re back! And that you are on the mend – that was a bit of a “thing” you hadn’t counted on. Yikes! And getting a new business up and running all at the same time? Double Yikes. Thank you for the Things You’re Lovely Lately update – I’ve saved the sandals and the mascara (love that it’s not tested on animals – that is my biggest requirement!). KIZIKS!! YES YES YES! I bought a pair and love them! I got a sneaker style and took them on a cruise – so wore them every day – walked a LOT in them. About the only thing I’d say is…I ended up a full size bigger than I usually wear (I did the Amazon thing where you can have them come so you can try them – if they don’t fit you just send them back). But…I am a fan FOR SURE!! And – I’d love to see your daughter’s work – I give my dog Finn part of MY Blog and it’s a fave for folks. If anyone doesn’t like to see it – they can just…not read it! ????♀️????♀️. Finally – I’ll be interested to see the offerings in your new Instafreeze shipping division. I’m most interested in low calories… So…THAT is a long comment. Welcome welcome welcome back! 🙂
I love seeing young women who have the entrepreneurial spirit! So many opportunities to explore. Enjoy your adventure !!
Sounds like a year full of transitions! Congrats on making it through them all and on the progress toward the new opportunities. 🙂
For natural deodorant, I like two: Lume and Pit Liquor. Honestly, Lume lasts longer, Pit Liquor smells better going on and is easy. I mostly use Lume anymore.
I look forward to hearing from you more often!
Glad to hear you are on the mend! I have a daughter in a PharmD residency and I think your freezer meals would be wonderful for her! She’s moving much farther away this month so I won’t be able to drag a cooler full of frozen mom meals to her anymore.????.
Love the new name and look. Glad you’re feeling better and I’m excited to watch your business grow. My friend loves her Kiziks and I’m planning getting a pair soon.
I’m so happy to hear your health scare is on the bend. I love to hear about your daughter’s creativity. My granddaughters are always being creative and it is so fun to see what they come up with. I am always looking for ways to make meal prep easy as after 43 years of marriage I find I’m always making the same few things and would love to prep and freeze so it is ready when needed with a variety of choices.
Glad to have you back! Yes, post your daughter’s sticker stuff!
We took our family on a cruise a couple years ago- my kids and I get terrible motion sickness! We did ginger pills and wore the round patch behind our ears daily. I just brought it all to the breakfast table and everyone swapped out the old with the new and took a new pill. Bonine makes them and you don’t get tired from them.
Off to check out your Owala water bottle!
Glad you are back!
I am so glad you are back! InstaFreeze Meals would definitely make my life easier. I watch my youngest grandchild (now 18 mo) 12 – 15 hrs/day, Mon – Fri, so any help is a bonus. Best of everything on your health and business journey.
I’m glad you’re feeling better! I’ve been fighting thyroid issues for 40 years. It’s not fun!
For the favorite products list, I’m guessing you mean favorite lip balm, not only Chapstick brand? Baby Lips is the best ever! Any kind or color, but my favorite is the Dr Rescue.
I appreciate you!!
I’m glad your back!
My fave sneakers for walking are the sketchers go walks
Lume is my fave natural deodorant and I’ve tried a lot
Good old Vaseline is what my dermatologist recommends!
Glad all went well with your thyroid surgery. I had a similar path, with 3 different cysts & 3 different surgeries: first a lumpectomy, a few years later half thyroid removed, a few years later full thyroid removed! Had no residual problems, and taking a unithroid pill each day is easy!
InstaFreeze sounds like the perfect dinnertime hack!
As far as hair regrowth, I love and swear by BosleyMD vitamins. My hairdresser recommends them to her clients, and she was introduced to them by her MD.
It is so good to hear that you are doing well! I would love to recommend THE BEST hair regrowth product: Amazinghairsaviour.com
This small batch hair oil is made at a family farm in Canada. It has changed my hair so much that my hairstylist is now recommending it to all her clients.
I am so happy to hear you are on the road to recovery. I love your recipes and can’t wait for what is to come.
Glad to see your back.
Thank you for sharing your story! I would love to see your daughter’s work! Post away! She is lucky to have your guidance.
Best of luck and success in your new adventure.
Marci,
Whoa! What an update! I would totally be okay with your promoting your daughter’s work here. I agree that it would be a good idea for her to practice with your guidance rather than be on social media on her own. She can also go to art fairs and farmer’s markets and have a booth at those kind of events, with parental guidance there, of course.
Glad you’re back. I always like the different kinds of recipes you post for the Instant Pot especially for the summer when the oven is just not fun to use! Can’t wait until you start shipping!
Freezer Meals sound awesome anything to make life easy