BRING BACK THE 2016 OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS

Summary

The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Episode: BRING BACK THE 2016 OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Kelly Stumpe & Lizz St. John

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Episode Overview

In this lively, sisterly episode, Kelly and Lizz settle into their usual mix of mom banter, automotive industry updates, and nostalgia-filled fashion commentary. The highlight: a deep dive into 2016 fashion trends—especially the much-loved, much-missed over-the-knee boots—and whether they’re due for a comeback. Along the way, the sisters chat candidly about pregnancies, potty-training woes, organizing their wardrobes, the latest car news, and resourceful weeknight dinners.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Life Updates & Mom-Life Chaos

Timestamps: 00:00–14:19

• Pregnancy Announcements & Reactions

  • Lizz is still pregnant and shares details about her "quicker than planned" timeline—her brother's destination wedding in 2027 affected her family planning.
  • Lizz describes feelings of being supported:

    "I feel so, like, loved and seen on my Instagram and in my DMs, and I just. It's so exciting." —Lizz (01:30)

  • Discusses age gaps between her kids and reflects on family patterns ("I'm actually rocking your exact timeline, Kelly and I are 16 months apart..." —Lizz, 02:06)

• Gender Reveal Anticipation

  • Lizz’s friend is planning a private gender reveal for her and her husband, Maddie.
  • Kelly already knows the baby’s gender but remains impressively poker-faced. Lizz tries to read her, to no avail.

    "Let me tell you something. I have a poker face... It is so compartmentalized—put away in a box under my bed in my mind right now." —Kelly (05:55)

• Kids’ Milestones and Mom Struggles

  • Fred’s potty training (“One chance a day”—Kelly, 09:02), Libby’s nap struggles, and Fred’s upcoming Spider-Man birthday party with Silly String as web-shooters.
  • Lizz gets pediatrician advice: start sitting kids on the potty at 16 months just to normalize the experience, not to force it (12:13).
  • Candid admission:

    “Sometimes it’s like I am so in survival mode that I'm just meeting the immediate needs of the crying children. And the one who's sitting quietly in the corner isn't always my first priority.” —Kelly (10:55)

• The Supermodel-to-Mom Whiplash

  • Both discuss the abrupt return from a glam photo shoot to typical mom duties ("I felt like a supermodel for two hours… and then to go right back into mom mode…” —Kelly, 13:33).

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2. Fashion Throwback: Is 2016 Making a Comeback?

Timestamps: 17:13–26:12

• Is 2016 Fashion Trending?

  • The sisters debate whether 2016 styles (skinny jeans, “full beat” makeup, plum lips, peplum tops, over-the-knee boots) are actually making a comeback, or if millennials just want to repost old photos.
  • Kelly reminisces about her first “Whole Foods money” milestone purchase:

    “I bought the Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee black suede boots… I wore them to work almost every single day in winter… I wore them to bits.” —Kelly (20:30)

  • Lizz is nostalgic about how easy outfits were in her 20s: skinny jeans, boots, cute tops, on repeat (21:34).

• Differences Between Then and Now

  • Social media and shopping were slower and less impulse-driven; waiting for blog posts for the product links rather than instant purchases (23:15).
  • The sisters note how they re-wore outfits more, and everything felt less disposable and trend-driven than today.
  • Noteworthy quote:

    “We were crafting. We were creative… It’s actually, I think, we dressed very flattering back then—I was very colorful. I like the chunky necklaces, I’m sorry.” —Kelly (25:34)

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3. Trending Foods: The Rise of the Sweet Potato

Timestamps: 27:16–30:03

• Sweet Potato as the Next Viral Food
  • Observations from the podcast’s Facebook group: sweet potatoes—especially stuffed with cheese—are taking off online.
  • Shoutout to Courtney Cooks, a content creator known for quirky, resourceful sweet potato recipes (bite-of-this, bite-of-that approach).
  • Both sisters have leaned into the trend; Lizz, especially, talks about craving the viral sweet potato/cheese combo (28:06).
  • Kelly’s endorsement:

    “In 2026, a loaded sweet potato is… I mean, sweet potato is my favorite food. Like, if I’m at a restaurant and sweet potato fries are on the menu, they’re ordered.” —Kelly (29:51)

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4. Wardrobe and Body Talk: Jeans, Linen Pants, and the ‘Freed Bump’

Timestamps: 30:20–34:18

• Pant Purging and Dressing Dilemmas
  • Kelly is working her way through her entire pants collection, trying on each pair and putting rejects into "purgatory.”
  • Lizz worries about what to wear as a pregnant woman in summer if biker shorts are out—bodycon dresses and linen pants are possibilities, but the “freed bump” trend (wearing maternity pants below the belly, belly visible) from Gen Z gives her pause.

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5. Base Model Luxury (Kelly’s Controversial Take)

Timestamps: 34:39–38:09

• Kelly’s Base Model Luxury: Curating her purse’s contents and actually using them (hand sanitizer, lotion, mints, etc.) as a daily pleasure.
  • Lizz teases the underwhelming nature of this take:

    “Base model luxury is to care—not only carry a purse, but carry things in the purse.” —Lizz (36:21) “That based model luxury was so lame. I'm so sorry.” —Kelly (37:31)

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6. Automotive Industry News

Timestamps: 38:09–48:42

• GM & Plug-In Hybrids

  • GM still studying hybrids; focusing on EVs as the “endgame.” No hybrid offerings currently—unique among major automakers (38:09).
  • Kelly feels the current mix of EVs/ICE gives consumers plenty of options and less pressure (“I don’t think EVs are being, like, shoved down people’s throats. I actually feel like we’re… at a good place.” —Kelly, 39:12).

• Hyundai Crater Concept

  • Hyundai’s new off-road electric SUV concept, the Crater, debuted at LA Auto Show—a bold, Halo-like, cybertruck-adjacent look (40:50).
  • Mixed feelings about the name, but the car’s distinctive design makes waves.

• Honda’s New Logo

  • Honda debuts a “futuristic, but also a nod to the past” logo to update its image starting in 2027 (42:09).

  • “I actually love this. Honda’s been making really good… moves lately.” —Lizz (43:29)

• Car Mom Car of the Year Announcement

  • Winner: The 2025 Ford Expedition

    • Chosen for its blend of family-friendly features and elevated design.
    • Kelly feels a deep connection:

      “You know the feeling you had when you put on your wedding dress… when I sit in the driver’s seat of the Expedition, I’m like, this is me. This is my car.” —Kelly (44:40)

  • Discussion about the practicalities of the regular vs. Max Expedition, and how family travel logistics impact car selection.

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7. Just the Drive Thru: Easy Dinner Inspiration

Timestamps: 48:42–53:10

• Lizz’s Sheet Pan Nachos

  • Easy way to jazz up leftovers, turning chicken into stove-top nachos—big hit with both her husband, Mattie, and son, James (49:50).

• Kelly’s Pork Steak Ramen Bowl

  • Repurposes pork steaks and leftover ramen into a Japanese BBQ-inspired noodle bowl. Both family-friendly and impressively cheap.

    “You don’t even need to know how to cook if you have this (Japanese BBQ) sauce… If you have leftover protein, ramen noodles, and fixins—now you have a fancy ramen bowl.” —Kelly (51:34)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “Let me tell you something. I have a poker face.” —Kelly (05:55)
• “I feel like the amount of kids, but it’s just like the pure… starting over again.” —Lizz (03:46)
• “I’ve literally went from like never looking better to have never looking worse in just a span of hours.” —Lizz (14:34)
• “You could always look stunning and fabulous. And you’re over-the-knee boots. …It was so easy.” —Lizz (21:34)
• “A loaded sweet potato is… my favorite food.” —Kelly (29:51)
• “Base model luxury is to care—not only carry a purse, but carry things in the purse.” —Lizz (36:21)
• “You know the feeling when you put on your wedding dress… when I sit in the driver’s seat of the Expedition, I’m like, this is me.” —Kelly (44:40)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Pregnancy News and Recordings: 00:42–04:10
• Potty Training Chat: 08:12–13:30
• Photo Shoot Whiplash: 13:33–15:15
• 2016 Fashion Comeback Debate: 17:13–26:12
• Sweet Potato Food Trend: 27:16–30:03
• Wardrobe/“Freed Bump” Talk: 30:20–34:18
• Base Model Luxury Debate: 34:39–38:09
• Automotive News: 38:09–48:42
• Car Mom Car of the Year: 43:52–48:42
• Quick Dinner Ideas: 48:42–53:10

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is warm, funny, and relatable, blending down-to-earth confessions (messy potty-training, purse organization, pregnancy self-consciousness) with nostalgia and topical updates in both fashion and autos. The banter is candid, supportive, and lightly self-deprecating—a perfect listen for multitasking moms or anyone craving sisterly camaraderie.

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Summary in a Nutshell

This episode is a quintessential Carpool ride: real-life mom challenges, playful fashion nostalgia (bring back those boots!), and automotive hot takes—plus practical weeknight dinner ideas. All delivered with Kelly and Lizz’s trademark mix of chaos, laughter, and genuine sisterly love.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to the Carpool podcast with Kelly. Yeah, I mean, like, consider this my audition for the show Traitors. Because, like, I have a. Like, I have a secret, and I could, like, make you think one way or the other. I feel like.

[B]

And Liz and, like, my makeup was all over the place, and I'm like. I've literally went from, like, never looking better to have never looking worse in just a span of hours.

[A]

Your mom time off starts now. Welcome back to the Carpool podcast with Kelly and Liz.

[B]

And.

[A]

You'Re still pregnant.

[B]

I'm still pregnant.

[A]

Okay. I just want to, like, get this out of the way. I want to apologize for, like, the chaos. Chaosness. The chaos. Sorry. Of Wednesday's episode because it was so. My mind, like, wasn't right that, you know, we. We had recorded the episode before we had announced to Instagram. So, like, in a way, like, I just wasn't ready to, like, fully flesh out the news and the excitement. And it's just that this new recording schedule is so weird because I feel like I'm living in multiple different realities because, like, I'm in the reality that is my life, the reality of what I've recorded on the podcast, and then the reality of when you guys have heard the podcast. And it's just very hard to keep all my reality straight. Yeah.

[B]

Do you know, I can hardly keep. I can hardly keep one straight.

[A]

Totally. But I am so happy the news is out. Me, too.

[B]

I kind of, like, for everyone, was just, like, so excited and happy for me, which I'm really thankful, and I appreciate everyone being like. I just. I feel so, like, loved and seen on my Instagram and in my DMs, and I just. It's so. It's so exciting.

[A]

How are you? And it is so exciting. How are you feeling? Have you given any headspace to the fact that you're actually going to have three children?

[B]

You know, the timeline is a little bit quicker than maybe I wanted, but we were kind of faced with. So our brother is getting married June of 2027 in England. So I was like, I'm not gonna wait until June of 27 to get pregnant, because I wanted babies sooner than that. But I also wanted to be as postpartum and have as old of a baby as possible if I'm going to probably leave the baby when I go to England or even if I bring the baby or whatever. I don't. We don't really have all the details worked out on who and what and where and who's going to England, but I Wanted to be as postpartum as possible. So Maddie and I were like, let's. We just gotta. We just gotta try. We just gotta go for it. And so it's a little bit quicker than I. I would have thought. But, you know, God doesn't make mistakes. And this is the exact baby that God wanted me to have. So we're gonna make it work. We're gonna thrive. And when I told mom, mom was like, oh, Elizabeth. And I'm like, first of all, Chris, I'm actually rocking your exact timeline. Kelly And I are 16 months apart. Me and James and Sloan are 15 months apart. Me and Craig are two years apart. And this baby and Sloan will be 23 months apart.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So, yeah, it's doable. It's not crazy. It's not like I have like, two sets of Irish twin twins or something. Like, it's fine.

[A]

Totally, totally. It's. Yeah, it is.

[B]

It is. I mean, there's a level of like, kind of. It kicks you down when you think that you're starting. Oh over. That's probably. It's not necessarily. I feel. I feel like the amount of kids, but it's just like the pure. Just like starting over again.

[A]

But, you know, the baby's always the easiest part. That's the hardest part about a baby is the toddler.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

So.

[B]

Totally. Yeah.

[A]

And I'm ready for. Auntie Cal is ready to take some of the older kids too. And it is so fun that, like, James and Fred and Sloan and Libby are all the same age because just what am I gonna notice? Bring them.

[B]

It will be actually make your life easier If I drop 200. The same age off at your house.

[A]

100.

[B]

We are definitely. We are slowly approaching the age where it's just like, drop them off, don't care, don't notice.

[A]

Yeah. And I'm looking forward to that.

[B]

Me too. That'll be nice.

[A]

What also is so fun about today and just make my. My life right now is I actually know the gender of your baby.

[B]

I know. So I wanted to have like a. A proper, like, film it. Maddie and I find the gender at the exact same time. The first two times, they were anti climactic. It. I found out first, like, it was nothing exciting. And so this time I was like, I really want to do it right. So I asked my friend if she would coordinate. I don't know what her plan is. She has some plan. Coordinate, like a gender reveal. Just like a private one for me and Maddie and the kids. But when the doctor Called me or the nurse called me with my results. I was with Kelly, of course, and she's like, do you want to know the gender of your baby? And I said, you need to tell my sister, because I can't know. So Kelly knows, and my mom knows and my friend knows Maddie, and I don't know. And I, like, I can't look at your face because I will be able to tell.

[A]

No, you want your face.

[B]

I had to look away from you when mom told you because I knew I'd be able to tell.

[A]

Okay, well, look at my face and make your prediction based on my face.

[B]

No, if you. When you start talking about it. Not when you just stare at me blankly.

[A]

Oh, no. Let me tell you something. I. I have a poker face. Oh, do you 100. I have a poker face. And I feel. I thought it would be, like, a harder thing. I thought I would. Was not gonna be able to be around you or, like, talk to you. I don't feel that way at all. It is so compartmentalized. Put away in a box under my bed in my mind right now. Like, I won't pull it back out until, you know.

[B]

See, and that makes me think I know what it is, you just even saying that alone.

[A]

What are you talking about?

[B]

Because. Because I. We both said in the last podcast, we're like, if it's a boy, we won't be shocked. And, like, it'll just be like, okay, it's a boy, and if it's a girl, we'll be, like, gooped and gagged. And so the fact that you're just like, I don't care. I'm compartmentalized. Like, it's. I'm not even thinking about it makes. Leads me to believe that it's boy.

[A]

Interesting. Well, yeah, you'll find out soon enough.

[B]

Only time will tell.

[A]

And when are you finding out?

[B]

So my friend was like, what's the longest you can give me? And I'm like, girl, a couple days. Like, I can't sit on this for very long. And so she. I. She said she can get what she needs to get done by Friday, So today. But we're recording this on Wednesday, so I have to just wait till Friday, and then I'll probably announce it, like, immediately when we.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, like, consider this my audition for the show Traders, because, like, I have a. Like, I have a secret, and I could, like, make you think one way or the other. I feel like.

[B]

I don't. Well, see, now that you say that. Well, whatever, I'm not going to go. I'm not going to dissect your.

[A]

Well, here's what I will tell you. It's definitely one or the other.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Totally.

[A]

Anyway, so that's what's new with Liz. Yeah.

[B]

What's new with you?

[A]

What is new with me? Well, Libby is not sleeping, talking about kicking us while we're down, talking about.

[B]

Kelly, you have got to just talk to the sleep trainer.

[A]

No, I'm sorry. I'm not gonna waste someone's time is what I'm not gonna do. And I would be wasting this person time because I'm just like, I'm not gonna stick to. I'm not disciplined enough to stick to a schedule.

[B]

And.

[A]

And sorry. I'm trying to get her to go down to one nap, and it's just really difficult because then, like, she is taking one long nap, and then she's going to bed too early and she's waking up too early, and, like, if I try to put her down for a little nap, then she's up too late. I'm figuring it out. I mean, I've done this three times over, so, like, this is just a season of my life. But she's challenging on the sleep, and I am considering looking into help with the potty training for old Fred, because here's the problem. And, Fred, I'm sorry if you have to listen back to this in 18 years, but, like, this is what I'm going through right now. This is my truth. I can't get him to go number two on the potty. I just can't do it. Number one, every time, never misses a beat. Like, he's totally fine. And the. The hard part about number two is I get one chance a day.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

One chance a day.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And if I miss that chance, it's like, then the learning isn't going until tomorrow.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it has been incredibly challenging. And speak of him. Here he is. Come here, Fred.

[B]

Hi, Fred.

[A]

I also have Libby napping and Fred with a blow pop in an iPad so I can get this podcast recorded. Say hello. Yeah. Hi.

[B]

Hi, buddy.

[A]

Fred's got a big old birthday coming up. He will be three next week. We're having a party on Friday. What kind of party are we having? But it's. Yeah. So that was Spider man, because he really wants a web shooter, which I don't even know where he saw it, but, like, he wants a web shooter. And I thought something that would be fun for the party is I got Silly String.

[B]

Oh, yeah. So fun.

[A]

So fun.

[B]

Right? So fun.

[A]

Yeah, that'd be a good time. Okay, I'm gonna keep working. Okay.

[B]

Say goodbye. Bye. Bye, Fred. Thanks for that love. Love, Fred. Cameo. Any chance we get.

[A]

Any chance. So anyway, that's what I'm trying to figure out what to do with that because we've been working on it since. I'm not kidding you, November.

[B]

Who do they always say is harder to potty train? Boys or girls?

[A]

They say boys.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And the thing is, number one was overnight, like I told him at one time, and he was like, okay.

[B]

Yeah, okay, so you're not to.

[A]

And it's hard because, like, there's a level of. It's like he knows what he's doing and he hides. And I know what you're thinking. It's like, well, Kelly, just catch him when he's hiding. It's like, well, I don't know what to tell you. I'm not always prioritizing the kid who's being quiet.

[B]

Do you know what I mean?

[A]

Sometimes it's like I am so in survival mode that I'm just meeting the immediate needs of the crying children.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And the one who's sitting quietly in the corner isn't always my first priority.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So that is a big challenge for us at the moment.

[B]

Okay. Yeah, we. That's something that's on my list that I, like, need to tackle. But I'm just like, so dreading, dreading it. But you know what? I. Something interesting. I recently got a new doctor for Sloan and we went in for her, whatever her 16 month appointment. And the doctor told me she said before baths and when she wakes up in the morning, like when you're changing her diaper, just put her on the potty. Like, she's 16 months old. She goes, I know. It's just to like remove that fear and just so that they're kind of used to it. And then when they're older and you're like, okay, this is the potty. We're going to start doing this. It's not this like totally new thing. And she was like, put her on the potty. Put her sit in reverse so she can like play and like, put some toys up there and let her play for a little bit for a few minutes. She might even go. It's not like to try and to teach them that, like, now is the time to go potty, but it's just like removing the fear from the potty. So we've been. We've been doing that a little. I've been doing that before baths with her.

[A]

Okay. I have never heard that.

[B]

I've never heard that. I was really surprised, but this doctor's, like, all about, like, development. Like, she's, like. She's, like, very into, like, development and milestones, and that's her thing. And. Yeah, so some. Just something interesting. Like, Sloan just, like, sits right on it, and she's just, like, stares at me, and I hand her a toy. And, like, when I try and put James on the potty, it's a fight. And I'm like, maybe if I would have introduced it to him when he was 16 months old, maybe he wouldn't be so concerned about it. It's like sitting on a chair.

[A]

So, like, if Libby constantly opens the toilet and sticks her hands down it, like, do you think, am I doing enough? Like, is the fear. I don't think she's scared of the toilet. I think it's actually her favorite thing in the world. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. No, I think it might just. Yeah, might maybe, like.

[A]

I fear if I teach her to climb on it, she'll just sit. Find herself sitting in it.

[B]

Maybe she'll be potty trained.

[A]

Maybe she'll be potty trained.

[B]

Maybe she can teach Fred a thing.

[A]

So I'm just saying.

[B]

I thought that was an interesting tidbit.

[A]

Yeah, no, it's something I haven't heard. Something I haven't heard.

[B]

It's new.

[A]

Yeah. No, he's so darn cute, but I don't know what I'm gonna do about that. So, anyway, that's what's new with us. We got a Spider man birthday party coming up. We're trying to potty train. Libby isn't napping, and I very much had a day yesterday. Like, we had our photo shoot, and that was, like, such. Let me be clear. Like, we, like, paid for this photo shoot. Like, we got our makeup done. We, like. But it's fun. Like, you. I felt like a supermodel. Like, they offered a champagne. Like, it was fun. Like, you feel like a supermodel for, like, two hours and to be in a full beat, full glam, and then to, like, go home right back into, like, mom mode. I can't imagine how, like, a celebrity feels. And it's just like, you were just, like, on the Golden Globes red carpet. And, like, now you're, like, wiping the toddler's butt.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

Like, stars are just like us.

[B]

Yeah. At the end of the night, after I had full glam and I was looking so good, like, I looked up in the mirror as I was, like, putting Sloan's pajamas on her changing table. And, like, my mascara had started running.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And, like, my makeup was all over the place. And I'm like, I've literally went from, like, never looking better to have never looking worse in just a span of. Of of hours.

[A]

I can't do those fake lashes. I was not. I don't like those.

[B]

Oh, I ripped them off. They make me so tired.

[A]

Okay, so I was at dinner. I went out to dinner with a friend last night, and I was like, oh, I'm not gonna waste the glam. Like, I'm gonna keep my lashes on. Like, I'm gonna look nice at dinner. I get to dinner, I'm like, I can't stop yawning. And I'm like, I am so sorry. Like, I am a little tired, but, like, this is so embarrassing. I'm, like, struggling to keep my eyes open. Yawning at the dinner table. And I was finally, like, I think it's these stupid lashes. So mid dinner, I ripped the lashes.

[B]

Off at the table.

[A]

Disgusting. And then I was wide awake. It was like I had a shot of espresso. I was like, okay, I'm fine.

[B]

What is up with that? They make me.

[A]

I don't know, sensory thing. It's like some sort of sensory thing.

[B]

Oh, you know what? Speaking of sensory things, this is so random because I'm, like, nauseous. When she was doing my eye makeup yesterday, anytime she would, like, touch my eye and, like, put eyeliner on stuff, oh, my God, it made me want to throw up. Oh, gosh.

[A]

You got to be careful.

[B]

That's a. That's actually a sensation that probably is entirely only unique to me. But just having someone, like, press down on my eyes when I was already feeling nauseous made me feel so sick. But anyway, our photos turned out good. So happy to have had them done. Today's episode is brought to you by Quince. Starting the year with a wardrobe refresh, Quince has you covered with luxury essentials that feel effortless and look polished. They're perfect for layering, mixing, and building a wardrobe that lasts. Their versatile styles makes it easy to reach for them day after day. Quince has all the staples covered from soft Mongolian cashmere sweaters that feel like designer pieces without the markup to 100 silk tops and skirts for easy dressing up to perfectly cut denim for everyday wear. Their wardrobe essentials are crafted to last season after season. Each piece from Quint is made with premium materials and ethical, trusted factories, then priced far below what other luxury brands charge. One of my Favorite pieces that Kelly actually included in my Christmas gift this year is the Quince women's cropped organic cotton cardigan. So cute. True to size. I wear a medium in it. Wear it all the time. I have three of them. I can't get enough of it. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Don't wait. Go to quince.com carpool for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q U-I-N C E.com carpool to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com carpool so I wanted to talk about.

[A]

Have you seen that? They're saying like 2016 is coming back.

[B]

Okay. No, I saw someone post it, but I didn't know what it was in reference to.

[A]

Yeah, and here's what I don't know. I don't know if 2016 is actually coming back or if all the millennials just like are trying to center themselves or like trying to like use that as an excuse to show their pictures. Because, like, I haven't heard it from, I haven't heard it from a Gen z's mouth that 26, 2016 is coming back. Well, 2016 was 10 years ago. First of all, that's insane. But I've seen a lot of people be posting it. And where Were you in 2016? I was graduating college.

[B]

Yeah, 2016. I was. I had just gotten back to college. I had spent the semester before in la. So I am just now getting back. It's my junior year of college. It was a good year.

[A]

I don't remember. I think like the biggest thing from 2016 was like, I think it was just like the full beat makeup. I don't really remember. It was like peak skinny jean season. But I don't think it was that offensive of like, I don't think it was like that offensive of a fashion year or a time for.

[B]

For so long. It was just skinny, like jeans and a cute top and boots. Like, that's just what we were wearing. I think I wore a lot of like plum lips back then.

[A]

So the best post that I've seen of this. Do you know who CM coving is?

[B]

Oh yeah, I do know who that is.

[A]

Okay, so she did heard her bringing back 2016. Do you remember these? No one was more viral than her in 2016. Yeah, yeah.

[B]

I would actually probably remember hers.

[A]

Like, look at this photo. Yeah, right. She was iconic. The peplum bow top. Like I wanted this Louis Vuitton neverfull More than anything in the world, because this was in her photo. And, like, the over the knee boots. Please bring these back.

[B]

Here's.

[A]

You guys know those suede over the knee boots? Let me tell you guys a quick story. So when I was selling cars, when I had Whole Foods money, our dad always told us that, like, when he started having success in the car business, like, his first big month, like, big month, he went out and bought a fish tank, which was, like, so funny. Like, he bought this huge fish tank, which was, like, such, like, a guy thing to buy. And I don't know if you, like, told me to go buy something, but he was like, you know, on your first big month, like, it's fun to celebrate with a milestone. Probably like, not the best financial advice, but it was fine. And I was like, I know what I'm gonna buy. You're sticky. Okay, go wash your hands in the sink. Sorry. He's sticky from the blowpipe.

[B]

We got that.

[A]

Yeah. So I had, like, my first. I was like, salesman of the month. I had made, I don't know, a lot of money for my. For living at home for myself at the time. And I was like, but hindsight not enough to justify the purchase. I'm about to tell you. And I was like, I know what I'm going to buy. Do you know what I bought?

[B]

Yeah, you bought your Stuart Weitzman.

[A]

The Stuart Weitzman over the knee black suede boots. And I groveled over this purchase because I was like, should I do brown? Should I do gray? Should I do, like, which heel height should I do? And I was like, these are so classic. These will never go out. I'll have these the rest of my life.

[B]

Forever.

[A]

Forever. I wore the soles off of them.

[B]

Like, because I did.

[A]

And I did. Because I was like. I wore them to work almost every single day in the winter. Because I was like, if I'm going to spend the money, like, I'm going to get my money's worth. And I wore them to bits.

[B]

No. Do you still have them?

[A]

Of course I still have them.

[B]

Okay. Because here's the thing. They're going to come back.

[A]

I know, but the thing is, like, they're too beat up. Like, they're not. I couldn't. It would. They're not even, like, black anymore. Like, they're like sun faded, water stained, like, suede boots. But I did buy the Stuart Weitzman boots. And yeah, I. I love them. I mean, I think there's nothing more flattering than, like, a dress and an over the knee boot, Like, I just thought it was a very iconic.

[B]

I was. I was thankful that, like, the over the knee boots was during that time of my life. Like, my early 20s, really. Well, because I was going out all the time and outfits were so easy. Skinny jeans, over the knee boots, cute top on repeat. Like every outfit, dress over the knee boots, skirt, over the knee boots. You could always look stunning and fabulous. And you're over the knee boots. You didn't have to think about it. And it's like, what would I. What would I even do now with an over the knee boot? Like, and that's why I'm thankful that at that phase of my life, it was over the knee boots. And at this phase of my life, it's Mary Janes and ballerina flats.

[A]

I know. We're so lucky. We're so.

[B]

We do not talk about that enough. Like, could you imagine if we were moms in, like, 2,010 when, like, the 6 inch platforms were in.

[A]

Yeah. Tough.

[B]

Were they doing that? Were they following that? Because, like, you could not be caught dead in a kitten heel or a ballerina flat at that time.

[A]

I know. And now it's like, so now, like, a super high heel is just, like, trying too hard. Like, now it's like, all about, like, not having that amazing of a shoe or that tall of a shoe. So, yeah, 2016, I also saw a great reel from do you know who Tinks is?

[B]

Yeah. Okay.

[A]

And she was talking about, like, 2016, and she was just saying how, like, it was such a different time in terms of, like, what people would buy and, like, the way we would. It's just like Instagram. Wasn't this, like, instantaneous? Like, buy now. Buy now. Like, click this link. Click this link. Yeah, it was more like it was a chronological feed and you, like, very much like, got in to, like, you tuned in to see what your favorites were doing. And, like, if someone, like, posted a picture, like, you would wait for them to, like, write the blog post that had the links in it, Right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And be like, my gosh, I need the link. And she was saying this about, like, the triangle bikinis. You remember the triangles?

[B]

Oh, I had one of those.

[A]

I know. And I didn't, but I would borrow yours all the time. I remember. And it was like, you didn't just, like, swipe up and buy the triangle. Like, your favorite blogger was wearing it. And then, like, you stalked the website and, like, you had to go, like.

[B]

Dig deep to find out what it was.

[A]

And it, like, wasn't There was a lot less impulse. And I actually feel like we were, like, smarter more. I feel like we're like. We were. We wore the socks off of things, I think, in 2016.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, for sure. Do you know what I mean?

[B]

For sure. Yeah. Yeah. No, I'm going through my. My photos right now. It's like, there's a lot of outfit repeats. Even back then, like, Amazon wasn't a thing. So, like, I remember when we would have, like, date parties where there was, like, themes. You didn't just, like, order something off Amazon, like you were going to party cities or, like, Goodwill or. Or Marshalls to, like, try and find something within the theme. By the time Grayson was going to these parties when she was in a sorority, it was like, oh, just order off Amazon. Yeah, it's just so. It's just so interesting. Yeah, no, I don't think 2016 is coming back at all. I think people are just using this as an excuse to post their old photos because it's funny.

[A]

Yeah. Here's a prime example. So this was me in February 13, 2016, and we had a space themed party for my sorority. And yeah, there's no. What did I do? I hit up the craft store and I found. I found stars that go on your ceiling, and I glued them to a headband because I just couldn't, like, order Amazon.

[B]

I never visited Hobby Lobby more than when I was in. We were.

[A]

We were just like. We were crafting our own things.

[B]

We were crafting. We were creative.

[A]

So also say is I'm good with elements. I. I look back at these 2016 pictures, I don't feel an ick.

[B]

No, I'm like. I'm like, wow. Like, this girl's, like, so skinny and has. Is so carefree, you know, but even she's with her friends all the time. Like, she's actually. She really was thriving, and I'm really happy for who she was.

[A]

But even, like, aside from that, like, I'm looking at these outfits being like. No, like, it's. It's actually. I think we dress very flattering back then. And, like, I was very colorful. Like, I like the chunky necklaces. I'm sorry, you're never gonna hate me hating on a chunky necklace. Like, objectively, this is a cute outfit. An orange dress with a teal chunky necklace. It's a good color combo.

[B]

It is. Everyone's in the neutrals now. It's like, get creative.

[A]

I know.

[B]

All right. Maybe it is coming back.

[A]

I know. So anyway, I wanted to chat. See about that with you. Speaking of things that are coming back. And this is so funny because I'm on my Kelly Stumpy Instagram page. I don't know the login to this one anymore. My last post is from November 7, 2021. And like, I guess I said I started the car mom in June of 2020, and I guess I like, kept both of them, like, kind of posting. And then I just, like, totally stopped. But yeah, like, I don't. I mean, these are such cute photos that just are going to live here forever because they don't know how to log back in.

[B]

Yeah, well, that'll be nice to revisit, don't you think about that? Like, how, like, to see photos of our parents when they were kids. Like, we look through photo albums and such. Like, how are our kids gonna see, like, all of our photos? Just, like, find our Instagram pages that we lost the passwords to?

[A]

I guess. So I'm sure AI will help.

[B]

So true.

[A]

Anyway, speaking of things that are trending, I saw this post in the carpool Facebook page, and we were talking about wake. What's the next food? Like, what's the next trending food?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I think this girl hit, hit, hit the nail on the head. It is, in fact, the sweet potato.

[B]

It is the sweet potato, which I.

[A]

Don'T think the sweet potato ever totally was out, but sweet potato sales are definitely up.

[B]

Yeah, no, for sure. I mean, I. As you know how I have to eat things, I just, like, look at people eating them, and the only thing people are eating on the Internet right now is a sweet potato stuff with cheese. And so I literally was on my couch feeling so sick, watching videos of people eating sweet potato stuff with cheese. I had to instacart it. And then it gets to my house, and I have to wait 45 minutes for the freaking thing to cook and then 15 minutes for it to cool down. It was a labor of love.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it hit.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. It's teaching delayed gratification because. And if you don't know, like, the girl who started this, Courtney cooks, go find her on social media. She, first of all, couldn't be more delightful. Like, she is such a good, warm, fun personality. And I don't really know much else about her other than I just like her food, I guess. And she eats very, I'll use the word, like, creatively and resourcefully. So she's like, always just like, getting a green onion. And, like, she's not chopping them, she's just taking a bite out of A green onion. Like, just chomping the green onion. And I guess, like, in her mouth, she's curating the perfect bite because she's like, bite of a sweet potato, bite of a green onion. She's chewing it together. She's getting the same mouth feel as if you would have chopped it. But she's a teacher, and she's like, I don't have time to chop this. And I wanted a green onion, and she's just chomping on a green onion. It's kind of insane.

[B]

It's good content. I don't even fully know why it's good content, but it is. It will. I would have that, you know, and maybe don't watch it until you have a sweet potato, 100 cheese on hand. But you know what? I ate it. I did eat it twice. It's not like my life was changed. It did, like, scratch, like, the very specific pregnancy craving itch. Like, it's not, like, the most iconic, like, food hack I've seen on the Internet. Yeah, but sweet potato. But sweet potatoes are having a moment I just had. I was. Went to Trader Joe's, and so obviously to look at Trader Joe's. Five items or less first. And she posted a really good sweet potato recipe. Sweet potato, cowboy caviar, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro.

[A]

More of that.

[B]

Yeah, more of that. More of that.

[A]

In 2026, a loaded sweet potato is. I mean, I. Sweet is my favorite food. Like, if I'm at a restaurant and sweet potato fries are on the menu, they're ordered. I'm ordering them. Mm. Love sweet potatoes.

[B]

Love sweet potatoes.

[A]

Anyway. Okay, Liz, let's. That was a lot of dilly and dallying. So on today's episode, we have ketchup, which we just did. I have a base model luxury that I really think you're gonna make fun of, but it's fine. I've got some industry news. We've got just the drive through.

[B]

I get so nervous now when you tell me about. You have a base model luxury. And that's fine.

[A]

And that's fine. Oh, one more other update I wanted to tell you. So I'm still going through all of my pants, and let me just tell you, I am enjoying it immensely. So if you miss it, I'm trying to do, like, less. I'm not doing a challenge, but I'm trying to do less. Less Athleisure in January, and my life is very much set up where it's like, I can kind of wear whatever I want because I Work from my phone so I can, like, I can wear. I don't have, like, a strict dress code to follow. Like, I can just wear whatever I want every day. It's like, such a blessing. And I have so many pants and I've like, it's so hard to get dressed because it's like, well, if I wear that pant, what shoe, what top combo? So anyway, I'm going through all my jeans in order. So, like, however they're hung up in my closet, that's what I'm going through. And if I try them on and, like, I can't come up with an outfit, like, on the spot, I'm putting them in my purgatory bin. I'm not getting rid of anything yet, but they're going in purgatory. Today I pulled out my last pair of skinny jeans. Oh, they're not skinny. They're straight legged.

[B]

Like, like, they're.

[A]

There's. I can fit three fingers in between my ankle and the jean.

[B]

Sure. Yeah. That's not.

[A]

Yeah, they're. They're not skin tight. And I was like, I'm going to do it. And I did it.

[B]

Okay, good. I. I love this. Not a challenge for you. I was kind of uncomfortable in my stretchiest pair of jeans. So I think jeans are going to be put away for me for the.

[A]

Keeping them away foreseeable future.

[B]

But I did look into the Halara sweatpants jeans. I'm ordering a pair. They come in tall. I might order two.

[A]

You are. It's not. It's gonna be a long, hot summer. I mean, we just did this two summers ago. What did I wear? I just looked like a beached whale and biker shorts all summer.

[B]

Here's. Then that's the problem, Kelly. I only wear biker shorts. And now I fear biker shorts are out and I don't know what I'm supposed to wear.

[A]

What were the pregnant girls wearing in 2016?

[B]

Well, and that's. That's actually a really good question because that might help me, because I. I don't. It might be, like, a lot of dresses for me. I don't know. I'm going to. I was so happy to have a summer baby. I'm like, I'm not gonna have to buy any new pregnancy clothes, but I just don't think, like, a tank and biker shorts are gonna cut it this year.

[A]

I think you need to get into a linen pant, too. Do you have those Athleta linen pants?

[B]

Yeah. But you know what the weird, like.

[A]

When you wear, like, bodycon dresses, it's a lot of bodycon dresses.

[B]

Oh. Oh, that makes sense. With a chunky necklace. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I just feel like when you wear pants, like a linen pant, you have to roll it below your belly, and then you're like, got a crop and you got a belly out.

[A]

And I think, like, that's what the. Because you have to realize Gen Z's are getting pregnant these days because, like, they're. They're old enough. That's what they're doing. They freed the bump.

[B]

They freed the bump. I think you might.

[A]

Do you know what I mean? We've been just, like, taught to cover and cover and cover, and they have. They are wearing their pants below their bump. They're doing the Rachel Green. They freed the bump. I want to see you free the bump in 26 this summer.

[B]

I see. I see it on Instagram. I'm not sure. I'm walking through the grocery store and I'm seeing a freed bump.

[A]

You don't think.

[B]

I don't know, maybe.

[A]

Maybe belly button. I think you're seen. I don't know. We'll have to see then.

[B]

What are you seeing? I feel like that's the only part. Like, that's the main part of the bump. We'll see.

[A]

I don't know.

[B]

I might just be wearing biker shorts. Just no one look at me. Just. Honestly, for the next. For the next several months, no one needs to look at me.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

It's just. Just avert your eyes. There's nothing.

[A]

At least from the waist up. Oh, also, no one's complimented my lighting yet. Probably because we haven't clipped this yet, but I changed my lighting yet again, and I think it's the best it's ever looked.

[B]

Yeah, my lighting looks couldn't look worse. If it tries.

[A]

No, we look. We officially no longer look like we're in the same studio.

[B]

No, I know. It's really bad.

[A]

Okay. Something.

[B]

Anyway. Okay. I have to know what this base model luxury is, Kelly, because I. I just. I'm. I'm a little bit nervous you may be losing the plot on base model luxury. So I'm just curious to know what you've come up with today.

[A]

Okay, so lately I have kind of been transitioning from diaper bag to purse because, well, one I have to carry on my EpiPens now. And so I've just found myself, like, constantly with a purse. Prior to the allergic reaction, I was not a purse girl. I was an Ander. Wallet, phone in my side pocket into. Into the Target. Now I'm too anxious to go anywhere without my Abby pen. So you'll always catch me with a bag these days. And I've actually very much enjoyed carrying a purse. Carrying a purse is not my base model luxury. But if you're not carrying a purse, may I suggest. May I guessed it. But curating the content in your purse and then using the content in your purse is a base model luxury. And I will give you very tangible examples. So, like, we've all seen the like, what's my bag? Videos and they have like, just. I'm sorry, they have all this crap they're not using. Like, they're just using crap I have loved though. Or like, putting things in my purse and then making a really conscious decision to, like, use them when I'm out. For example, a hand sanitizer. I'm. Oh, even after I wash my hands in the bathroom, I'm hand sanitizing because it's like, oh, it's in my bag. It's in my purse. Let me just dig through my purse. Chapstick, lip gloss, a hand lotion, a hairbrush, mints, like whatever you need to keep in your purse. One, Stock your purse. Two, use it. Use it all the time. Use it every, like every hour. It is just really fun.

[B]

Okay. Baseball luxury is two care. Not only carry a purse, but carry things in the purse.

[A]

Yeah, Myself.

[B]

Did I capture that?

[A]

Yeah, you captured that.

[B]

That was it. Okay, Sorry.

[A]

I see now how that was stupid. Just something I've been doing. I've been enjoying carrying a purse.

[B]

It really is something that is so new for you because you never carry a purse.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. Okay. That sounds. That sounds great.

[A]

What do you think is.

[B]

What do you think is the crap that people are carrying in their purse when they do the.

[A]

Over consumption? People?

[B]

Oh, yeah, totally.

[A]

Do you know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah, totally.

[A]

That's all.

[B]

That's all. That's all. Thank you, Emily.

[A]

Okay, well, are you ready for industry news where I spelled a hot TTT going on in the auto industry? Yeah, girl, that based on a luxury was so lame. I'm so sorry.

[B]

No, I just, I'm. I'm afraid you. I'm afraid you're losing the plot on what it is. It's supposed to be like.

[A]

No, but I think it's like if your purse is dirty and not full of like, things that you're using, like clean out your purse. It's, it's like it feels good to have a clean purse. And it's a very controllable area of your life that like, you can invest in and it will like stay clean and stay useful for you is all I'm saying.

[B]

Okay. Okay.

[A]

Okay, Great. Okay. Couple of stories. Nothing like too exciting going on, but there's something exciting going on. First of all, gems from Automotive News. Gm I said gm. GM still studying plug in hybrids. CEO Mary Barra says. Mary Barra Wright speaks with Reuters reporter at an Automotive Press association event in Detroit. In the past, plugins were, were the only hybrids that actually counted towards the regulatory perspective. So we have to do those, Barra said. But we're mainly investing and continue to work on EVs because we think that's the end game. So basically GM has no hybrids, which is just like so crazy when you think about it.

[B]

So crazy.

[A]

Yeah. So it still plans to sell plug in hybrids though electric vehicles remain the automaker's long term strategy. It says it is not confirmed which segments or vehicles might get plug in technology, but previously Barra said that they would arrive in 2027. The automaker is studying hybrids as it considers how the regulatory landscape could change after the next presidential election in 2028. I feel like I actually really like where we're at like with, with the EV market because I feel like there's just a lid for every pot right now. I don't think EVs are being like shoved down people's throats. I think people are like adapting when they feel like adapting. They're considering as they would as they want to and the right people have them and the wrong people don't. And I'm actually very happy with where we're at with the ev. I'm still excited about them. I still like driving them. I have a, I have an EV Hummer in my driveway right now.

[B]

Yeah, they're fun to drive. I, I agree. No one is. There's no more talk of like we're getting rid of all of our ICE vehicles. Like there's that talk is kind of dissipated which is nice because I was like kind of stressful for a little bit.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I agree. Options. This is America.

[A]

Hyundai dealers want the Crater off road vehicle. Okay. The Four Door Crater concept is a Jeep Grand Cherokee size SUV with an electric powertrain, a high ride height and 33 inch wheels and bulging fenders. So at the Los Angeles auto show in November, I guess Hyundai had this concept car that straight up looks like it's out of a video game called the Crater. Oh, which is not. I'm not loving that name.

[B]

I don't like Crater.

[A]

I don't love Crater.

[B]

It Looks like it's out of Halo. Like it looks like.

[A]

Well, it's the closest thing we've seen to a cyber truck.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like it's not a cybertruck. Like it's better than a cyber truck. But like, if you put it next to cybertruck, I'd be like, oh, those are the same manufacturer.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I don't know. It's just a prototype.

[B]

It's interesting.

[A]

Dealers like it, they said, and it's interesting.

[B]

I didn't see this for Hyundai.

[A]

Yeah, but you say that, but they don't have an off roading car.

[B]

No, it's. It's actually a really cool looking car.

[A]

Yeah, no, it's interesting. It's interesting.

[B]

I agree.

[A]

I actually do see it for Hyundai because I just think like, they're always trying to get into every segment, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or no, that's not. That's Nissan. Nissan's always trying to get into every side.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

You know what I mean? Nissan's like, let's do a truck. Let's do a band, let's do a full set. Like, calm down. Let's do an electro.

[B]

No. Like, this is how Nissan should release the Xterra.

[A]

I know. So we'll see.

[B]

Okay. It's worth looking up. It's kind of cool.

[A]

Fred has left the studio. I don't know where he is.

[B]

He's probably doing, you know what.

[A]

Right, right.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Oh, he's back. Okay, Next story. Honda gets a new H logo for a new era on everything from cars to dealerships to motorsports. Honda will adopt a new logo left on everything from electrified vehicles to dealerships from 2027, replacing the current logo. Okay. Want to see it new?

[B]

I am very happy about this. I have been saying for years, I think the Honda logo is so outdated that even on a brand new Honda, it makes it look like an old car. So I actually love this. No, I think this is great. I actually. I agree.

[A]

I think it's a. I think some people are gonna be like, I don't like it. But those people are wrong. Because it's good. It's a good update.

[B]

People don't like change. This is actually like, yes, this is. This makes sense.

[A]

Yeah, this makes sense.

[B]

And actually this is interesting. This, this. If you look at what like the original logo was from the 60s, it actually is more accurate to the new one. Like the evolution. Let me see.

[A]

Let me flip your camera.

[B]

This is interesting. Let me show you this.

[A]

Like, they're going back.

[B]

They're going back in time.

[A]

Oh, cute, Cute.

[B]

So it's like, it's futuristic, but it's also like a nod to the past. I actually, I love this. I normally hate change and like, hate anything that they try and do, but I love this. Honda's been making really good. Honda's got a good team right now. Honda's been making very good moves lately.

[A]

I know, I know.

[B]

Don't you feel?

[A]

And we can announce the car. Mom car of the year today, too.

[B]

Oh, you're right. We can.

[A]

Huge news.

[B]

Huge news.

[A]

Exclusive story breaking here first. Okay. We are so pleased to announce that the car. Mom car of the year is. Drumroll, please. The 2025 Ford Expedition. Which feels right.

[B]

It feels so right. It was so good. It. They kept everything that was amazing and family friendly and wonderful about the expedition, but they just elevated it.

[A]

So I have one as a press card this week, which worked out good. And I'm driving it around and I. I call Liz and I'm like, you know the feeling you had when you, like, put on your wedding dress?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And you were like, this is the one. When I sit in the driver's seat of the Expedition, I'm like, this is me. This is my car. I have to get the new one. I have to.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I don't know when we've got some other, like, whatever, like, financial goals right.

[B]

Now that we're trying to get through.

[A]

So it's not the right time for me, but like, it. I have to get it. I love it. I love it.

[B]

So when the question you get all the time is if you were to buy a car, what car would you buy? You would buy it.

[A]

Can you hear that Paw patrol in the background?

[B]

Yeah, we can hear it, but I think we're all. We all used to tuning that kind of stuff out.

[A]

Okay, Fred, be quiet. Mommy's working. Okay. I would buy. Now, I thought about this a lot. Okay. I would obviously buy a 20, 20. Whatever. It doesn't have to be. It doesn't have to be a new one. So I might wait till like 27 and then buy a 25, because right now I have a 23 and I'm happy as can be in it, but I'll buy a 20, 25 Ford Expedition Max with a bench seat. Platinum. Yeah. Wider. The matte gray or the. Not the matte gray. Like the gray. Tyler was like, Tyler's like, I don't think we need the max. And I'm like, what are you talking about? We absolutely need the max. He goes, why? We're basically a two car family now. Like, if we go somewhere, we like, we'll, we'll just take two cars. Like, like, he means like for like a, like a weekend trip. Like if we go to the lake, we take two cars.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Which is because by the time, first of all, Tyler like has to have his truck. Like, he has like an emotional attachment to his truck. It's very strange. It's not, cuz I'm the same way. But like, we can't really, by the time we like add the dog and like sometimes we like bring like one of Tyler's nieces with us down to the lake and like a pack and play and like a bunch of other stuff like we had last summer. We took two cars almost every single time we went down to the lake.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm just sitting there thinking, like, I've had the, I've been driving the expedition this week and I've just been, you know, kind of trying to live my life with just the regular trunk. And I think there's a world where I could just deal with it.

[B]

Wow, that's so interesting because you would have been like, wouldn't even consider it. I know, but, but, and that's where like, it's like cars are so not a one size fits all. And just because you have four kids like you, you, a lot of people hear you saying that you guys would take two cars for a three hour road trip and be like, that's crazy. We have the same amount of kids. Like, I like us all to be together. Like, I need mom to go in the back and distribute snacks or whatever. Like how you function in your life is like so important when you're making your car buying decision.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like it's down to that. It's like an MX or, or not a max. Like some people can get by with it and some people simply can't.

[A]

Well, Fred, No. Fred, Fred, no. No. Mommy needs those for her lights. He's trying to unplug my lights. We're going downhill fast. Anyway, I, I, so I, I don't know. I'm not saying that I don't want the max or I don't need the max because I think there's a level of me that would miss it. But I'm just like kind of holding space for that idea right now. Because the thing is, the max versus the regular. Let me tell you something. The drive is incredibly different. Yeah. Like for sure, incredibly different. It feels almost to me like a bigger jump than going from like the Atlas to the expedition. Like, I hate the length of the max. It Just makes the whole. It's so hard to park. It's so hard to drive. So I don't know. We'll see. We'll see. And I mean, the looks of the non max are so much better. Like, it's such a more like fun, like, sexy little car. When it's like an expedition, it doesn't immediately give soccer mom, which. Not that I'm. Not that I'm. There's nothing wrong with that. I mean, I drive one now, so I'm just something I'm just playing with and kind of considering.

[B]

Okay, that's fascinating.

[A]

Yeah, I know.

[B]

We'll see. Yes.

[A]

Okay. And now it's time for just the drive through. We give you an easy dinner recipe to mix it up to get you.

[B]

Out of ya dinner rut. Can I share what I made for dinner so fast last night? Because I haven't really. Like, I wasn't feeling well and all I had for Maddie was leftovers. But, like, I feel bad after. He's like, he's had a long day and like, I don't just want to be like, go heat up your leftovers. Like, it's. If food tastes better when someone prepares it for you. So, like, I wanted to do that for my husband. And actually I made this. And then James also ate it with Maddie, and then James asked for it this morning. And that is huge for you. I know it's huge for you until you hear what it is. But. So we had like leftover, like a, like a pollo asado, like a, like a, like a Mexican chicken. And I chopped it up, put it over, put, put it over some chips with shredded cheese, popped it in the oven for like five minutes, pulled it out, and I made nachos and sheet pan nachos, but I made them with like leftover chicken. Like, we know we love our pulled pork nachos, but I'm just like saying in a pinch, when I, I, I basically didn't cook, it was just like a different way to reheat instead of like, my husband just like looking at this plastic chicken out of a cover where. Yeah, like, gross. Yeah. But it was ready in five minutes and I didn't really have to. It was just assembling. And Maddie and James both just like, ate it over the, ate it over the, the stove. It was great.

[A]

That's a w. It's a w. I had like, like a. I'm still riding the high from my Monday night dinner when I made something that the entire family ate. The entire family. Tyler said it was a top 10 dinner for me.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And it was. First of all, it's a very cheap dinner. So we had pork steaks the day before, and I'm like. My thing is, like, if I'm turning on the Blackstone, like, I'm simply, like, making a lot because it's, like, not worth it to turn it on for one meal for me. So I made so many pork sticks. We ate them just, like, playing with potatoes and baked beans on Sunday night. And then we had, like, three leftover pork steaks for Monday dinner. And I was gonna just, like, you know, cut them up for the kid. I wasn't gonna make it a meal. I was just, like, gonna make it leftovers. But I kind of had your same thing. I'm like, no, I'm gonna repurpose this. Like, I'm not just going to. I'm gonna turn it into something new, not just have a leftover. And we had. I've been craving ramen noodle bowls because we had them on Christmas, and they're so good. And you can, like. It's. I love a recipe where you can do the most, do the least, so. And my kids love ramen noodles. They call them dad noodles because it's, like, the only thing Tyler knows how to make them for dinner. So we made three packs of ramen noodles. I cut up the pork steaks, and I put them in a skillet with this Japanese barbecue sauce. Do you have this?

[B]

I do.

[A]

Unbelievable.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, you don't even need to know how to cook if you have this barbecue sauce. I put them in the pan with this Japanese barbecue sauce and a little bit of soy sauce. Just kind of, like, let that heat up and, like, figure out each other. Cooked the ramen noodles, microwave some broccoli, pulled it out. I, like, separated all the kids so they had, like, their little Asian pork ramen noodles, broccoli on a plate. And then I made myself a fancy bowl. So I put a base of the ramen noodles. I took some of the broccoli, I topped it with some more of that Japanese barbecue sauce, my pork chili oil. And if I would have had, like, a soft boiled egg and, like, a green onion, I really would have been in business. But I had neither of those things. It was so tasty. And Tyler was like, you have to make this more. I was like, I will. And guess what? This is a cheap dinner because those pork steaks were 12 bucks. Ramen noodles are a dollar.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And the broccoli's $3 a bag.

[B]

It's a Great way to re. And honestly, it's like use the day old pork steak. Like have the pork steaks in their. In their. In their original form the first night. Because a reheated pork steak is never as good.

[A]

Yeah. And then what you're saying no because.

[B]

You doctored it up. But if you were to just like flat out serve pork steak again with a side of broccoli and no Japanese barbecue sauce, it would not have been the same.

[A]

And I think similar to like your sheet pan idea, it's like, this could have been done with chicken. This could have been done with brisket. This could have been done with a chuck roast, like whatever protein you have. Add a ramen noodle and fixins, and now you have a fancy ramen bowl.

[B]

And he basically didn't have to cook.

[A]

It doesn't have to cook. So those are two good, good ditches that are. These you guys can take into your weekend. You're welcome.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's our episode.

[B]

So thank you so much for listening to the Carpool podcast. Hope you have a great and safe weekend and we'll talk to you next time.

[A]

See ya. Bye. Thank you for listening to the Carpool podcast with Kelly and Liz. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode. And if you enjoyed riding with us, just tell everybody. You know there's room in the car for everyone.