Hi friends; happy FRIDAY! How was your week? Ours was fine, but I felt like I was dragging, mentally at least. I did tackle cleaning out my closet and drawers which felt like a big win. I even followed through with dropping off my donated items. Now it feels sparse, but I’m trying to resist the urge to add things just for adding sake, but this super cute pullover is tempting.
Still, I’m very glad to be here, welcoming the weekend. And it should be a good weekend; it’s David’s birthday! We don’t have anything wild planned, but a dinner with friends, a couple kids basketball game, and a relaxed family night at home (birthday boy’s request) should make it an enjoyable one. But before we jump into all that, I’m excited to share with you my five Friday favorites for the week.
Science with Friends
My friend Janna is also doing The Gather Round Chemistry Unit with her kids right now, so we got together yesterday for some experimenting. It was such a blast! Hailey got to show off her new favorite pour carbon dioxide on a candle trick, Kaitlyn showed off water tension, and Janna had several awesome experiments set up- making rock candy, testing pH with purple cabbage, and so many more. It was such a fun afternoon for kids and adults alike.
Nutrisense CGM
On Monday I applied my Nutrisense CGM (AHS25 for $25 off) and it’s been such a fascinating week watching my blood sugar. Some things have been right in line with my understanding- a veggie and egg breakfast scramble with avocado keeps my blood sugars nice and steady. And other times I feel so confused- why did my blood sugar spike high randomly in the afternoon? Because of this, I am really grateful for Mia’s input and support. All Nutrisense subscriptions come with RD support, and I see why; it’s incredibly helpful.
I’ve learned the order you eat your food in makes a difference, but that can differ slightly per person. For me, veggies/fiber first, then protein and fat, then carbs seems to help keep things steady. Also, I have a Jimmy John sandwich for lunch yesterday and saw my highest spike of the week. I know, processed white carb, but with avocado and turkey and cheese with it, I didn’t expect it to shoot up like that. So interesting!
LOLA Organic
I had been buying organic tampons at Costco, but they weren’t there anymore on my last trip. I saw it as the nudge I needed to reorder with LOLA. Lola offers a variety of products for women’s health, but I was focused mostly on two items- tampons for me and a first period kit. This refer a friend link will get you $5 off your order.
We haven’t hit the milestone yet, but with other signs, I imagine it could be within the next year. We’ve started those discussions, but I want her to be prepared with supplies as well. I set myself up a subscription and ordered the first period kit to have on hand. I’m also looking at ordering some Thinx or Knix to have on hand. Anyone have advice or feedback on either of these for tweens/teens?
Mini Crockpot and Souper Cubes
I was inspired by Paige to pull out my mini crockpot and I’m so glad I was. I’ve been using it in two ways that have been really helpful for lunches. Way number one: freezing homemade soup in souper cubes then popping one into the crockpot at breakfast and having warm, homemade soup ready and waiting at lunch. Way number two: Throwing a chicken breast or two in at breakfast with a splash of broth and having an easier protein ready to go on a salad, wrap, or bowl at lunch time. Such a handy little appliance!
Hair cut?
Ok, this is self-indulgent, but because David and the kids are sick of me wavering back and forth and talking through the pros and cons then not making a decision… please help me. My hair is getting pretty long. Some days I love it and other days I want to chop it to shoulder length for ease. My hair is thick and wavy so it needs a little length to help weigh it down, but it’s a lot to deal with so some days it feels like too much to try and style at its current length.
I’ve never felt my hair is a security blanket, but now it kind of feels like one. I also know how long it takes me to grow my hair out, so that makes me hesitate, too. I know it’s just hair and it’s not a big deal, but I’d love your two cents… chop it? Trim it? Let it stay long? I don’t know what to do!
Happy weekend, friends; I hope it’s a good one for you! <3
Amber says
My hair is also thick and wavy and I just cut it from mid back to my shoulders. It’s not my favorite cut ever and I agree with you, our hair type needs some weight to hold it down, BUT I do find I’m styling it more as opposed to just throwing it in a ponytail and it’s nice to have something different. I imagine I will grow it back out a bit but not as long as before. Point of my rambling is I encourage you to cut it at least a little and give yourself a new challenge!
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks for the input! I’m wondering if adding layers would help me dry it faster or if it would just make it a poof ball?… thanks for the encouragement that it will be fine either way 🙂
Mary says
Trim it!
Christina says
We are also approaching “that milestone” with my daughter (she turns 11 next week) and I’ve been starting to look into period underwear…..will be interested to hear people’s thoughts! I also hear they sell period swimwear which could be a game changer for summer swim season!
Jerrica says
I, as an adult, wear thinx and LOVE them. I’ve worn them (the same pairs 😬) for gosh…8 years now? I also have an 11 year old and will be buying her some to have on hand soon. It’s such piece of mind that you won’t start in the middle of an unfortunate situation and can be spared the embarrassment that young girls inevitably feel. My only advice-size up a bit to accommodate the uncomfortable puffiness but definitely 1000% worth it.
Kelli H says
I always grow my hair out and then chop it off. I’ve been doing this for years but I do find when I chop it I usually can’t wait for it to grow out. Haha. Your hair is beautiful I’d vote to trim in.
I had a subscription to Lola years ago but I noticed their quality went way down. 🙁 I’ve been buying Cora. Have you tried a diva cup? I used one for a while but I think I need to size up after kids. Haha.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh no I hadn’t heard that about their quality. I’ll pay attention to this delivery when it shows up and see what I think. I own a menstrual cup but for some reason can not bring myself to try it. Maybe I need to grow up and just go for it 🙂
Kelly says
On the hair front, i’d vote to keep your length. It looks so healthy and nice! Every time I’ve “chopped” my hair in the past, I immediately regret the decision and go into a going to growing out phase, so I am definitely biased! 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Last time I cut mine I had instant regret, too! I think cutting it will make it look like some inspo pictures I’ve found of women that have a completely different texture and thickness than mine. And, of course, it doesn’t end up that way and I wear it in a ponytail until it grows, ha. Maybe that’s my answer right there.
EmilyS says
Not trying to fear monger here but I read this article this morning linked by a trusted source. Might be worth looking into but maybe they have made changes given the lawsuit.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jan/19/thinx-underwear-menstruation-period-pfas?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Emily says
Thank you for posting this. Such a bummer. I was thinking of buying some for my daughter when the time comes. But nope!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh interesting! I had not heard of this and I actually own a pair of THINX myself for occasional wear. Thank you for linking this!
Jaime says
I know how you feel! I deal with the same thoughts with my hair but I think I finally know the answer for me. In my opinion, I would trim it, but leave it a good length. My hair is thick and curly and every time I cut it, I regret it. For me, it’s so much easier having it longer (but thinned out) because of the reason you mentioned – it weighs my hair down which some how makes it easier for me to straighten – and the other reason being that I can let it go curly/wavy and then throw it up in a messy bun, esp when it’s hot outside. Also, for me, when I cut it, it somehow takes me longer to blow dry and to style. That’s my two cents! Can’t wait to see what you decide!😄
Brittany Dixon says
Such a good point about summer. I like mine long in the summer, too, because I end up just embracing the crazy curls and the weight makes that so much easier to do. Do you have any curly/wavy products you love?
Jaime says
No, I’m on an all natural kick. Slowly trying to replace the toxic chemicals in my house so I haven’t found a good non toxic product for curly hair. If/when I do, I will definitely let you know! Happy Birthday to David! Hope you all have a great weekend!
Alyssa says
I recently switched to a menstrual cup as cutting back on waste was one of my goals for the new year and I love it!! Maybe not great to try to have a first timer use though. But I have been thinking about getting a pair of the underwear too. I think there is a lawsuit currently with Thinx about some of the chemicals in them, but I have heard good things about SAALT and the ones from the period company! I’m planning on ordering a SAALT pair to try
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I haven’t even heard of SAALT- going to googles them now, thanks! I have a menstrual cup but have been too chicken to try it!
Marie says
My daughter is exactly Hailey’s age, so we’re preparing too. (especially after the school nurse told me that alot of girls in 5th grade already have periods?!?!) I felt behind! I made “kits” for her — one for school backpack, one if we travel/sleepovers, etc. Just purchased cute large make-up type bags, supplies and some extra undies, etc. I did purchase some Knix to have on hand, also a knockoff brand from Amazon just to try. She’s also on the swim team so will probably look for a swimsuit down the road, when it happens. (I did not buy much because I will order more when needed – didn’t want to stock up and then they grow, etc.) We’ve enjoyed reading the American Girl body books together, although not perfect, they are simple and sweet and answer alot of questions – they also tee up great mom/daughter discussions without the embarrassment.
I vote chop the hair, summer fun is coming! Be wild! Happy Friday!
Brittany Dixon says
We have a book we’ve started to read through together, too, and agree- it’s made for some great conversations!
I’m so curious about the bathing suit option… like how does that even work? Hmm… gotta google it!
Erika says
Is it just me or are girls getting their periods earlier/younger now? Maybe I was late but I feel like most of my classmates were 13-14 when it started. My daughter is only 6 so I’m not thinking about it yet but I bess be prepared to do it sooner than I think!
I’m a chop-it, regret-it, grow-it type 🙂 A good ‘healthy trim’ might be where to start.
Brittany Dixon says
It does seem earlier to me, too. I’m guessing H will be 12ish, and I *think* I was 12/13 (I can’t believe I don’t remember) so I guess that lines up, but I was still somehow surprised when she started developing.
katie says
I like shorter hair in the fall/winter, in the summer I want my hair longer so I can pull it back. What I end up doing is growing it out, donating, and then chopping into a bob for the donation. It takes about 2 years to go through the full cycle and I’ve never found a perfect length of hair for me.
Brittany Dixon says
I love that you have donation as part of your hair cycle- such a special way to give!
Sammie says
Sounds like we have the same hair! Leave it long and learn a good braid or two!
Desiree Campbell says
I like it longer and once the warmer months are here, you’ll like the length for buns, braids, etc. My two cents… for what it’s worth! Happy Friday!
Megan W says
Thinx is in the middle end of a class action lawsuit regarding PFAS’s and other harmful chemicals in their undies. Make sure you check that out first!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so glad someone shared this! I won’t be buying anymore Thinx.
Kim says
Hi Brittany! I saw that several other people commented about the Thinx lawsuit. It is such a bummer, but I recently switched over to Saalt and I absolutely LOVE them! Way, way better than Thinx in my opinion. They are a little pricey (I scored a bunch on their Black Friday sale), but they are so much prettier, more comfortable, AND I feel much drier wearing them – even on heavy days with no menstrual cup or anything. That’s a lot of information for you. 😉 Haha. Anyway, just my two cents, but they’re great, and I will definitely purchase for my daughter when the time comes! Good luck!
Brittany Dixon says
I really appreciate the input! I’m going to be looking into these for sure. Thanks!