B (1:46)

I'm making chili today.

A (1:49)

That's gonna be a chili heavy week.

B (1:51)

Well, here's why. Because we have parent teacher conferences tomorrow, and me and my friends offer to make the teachers dinner because they have to stay there for conferences.

A (1:59)

Oh, that was sweet of you.

B (2:00)

I thought that was sweet of me too. But I was like, I'll make the chili. So I'm doing chili. So here's a kind of a group project I need to work on. I'm doing chili and fixins for said chili. I know what the chili toppings are like. I'm not asking for that. I'm gonna bring my chili in a crock pot. But, like, what's the best way to serve these things? Because, like, they kind of need to be on ice. Like, the cheese and the sour cream. So, so what do I do in a cooler and say fixings in the cooler?

A (2:28)

Fixings in the cooler. Open it up like a small one.

B (2:32)

Like a small cooler.

A (2:33)

Yeah.

B (2:34)

Of fixings.

A (2:35)

Yeah.

B (2:35)

What are your chili fixings? Che.

A (2:39)

Shredded cheese. You, you know, like in maybe sour cream. Like in a perfect world, I would love to have like a green onion, but I find it so hard to buy a green onion because I'm the only one who will add it. So I'm just like, sure it goes bad and I don't have enough things so that I'm just like, oh, let me buy this just to like use it for a little bit. But I do love a green onion.

B (3:03)

Now I'm such a Ritz cracker jalapeno person on my chili too.

A (3:08)

I love a. I love a peno.

B (3:10)

I love a gelapino. Remember when I said that and everyone thought that's how I thought they pronounced it? People can't take a joke these days. No, but I source. You know, I love to source. I think it's the gatherer in me. Like it's, it's my prehistoric roots of being a gatherer.

A (3:27)

Okay.

B (3:27)

I love to source like the best jalapenos. And there's this person I don't even know how I'd explain to you how I know them. It doesn't matter. But they can their own jalapenos and they give jars to my mother in law every year. I don't have a direct connection and I'm like, barb, give me the jalapenos.

A (3:45)

Barb, if you're listening to this podcast, because they know you are, I needed the hookup.

B (3:50)

Well, she already gave me. She gave me two. Two jars. But as much as I love the teachers at my kids school, I'm simply not.

A (3:57)

You can't. Well, because they won't appreciate it, but they are.

B (4:02)

And I need to learn. I need to learn how to jar these jalapenos. I need to get the recipe. I need to perfect it. Jarring seems so. Jarring is what it is.

A (4:14)

It seems so jarring.

B (4:17)

It's just the pressure of like, did it seal like I. And then you just stick it on your shelf and hope mold doesn't grow. Like, I don't like that. It's so stressful.

A (4:26)

I know. I do think like once you learn how to do it and go through it, it's probably super easy. It's just one of those things that there will probably be a little bit of trial and error. But yeah, it's. It's stressful, but like such a game changer. I like love people who jar.

B (4:43)

It's such and like what a fun gift to bring. And a lot of people do pickles. So that's why that I like that this person does the jalapeno approach like they're doing something different and that different is jalapenos.

A (4:54)

You know who does have a really good like game changing jalapeno is Trader Joe's. It's like a spicy, sweet jalapeno. Grayson turned me on to them.

B (5:01)

I didn't know that. I didn't know that.

A (5:03)

They are excellent.

B (5:05)

Okay, that's good to know. But I could see micro. I could see it being a new micro hobby of mine. If I can figure out how to jar jar jalapenos.

A (5:13)

Here's what I love. We just talk about micro hobbies all the time. But here's what I'm like really loving about it because I have a new micro hobby that I want to tackle. And it's, it's not always about. Sometimes it's just about, like, what where in your life are you not succeeding at something and just like go all into that and like trial and error that until you figure it out. And I think yours should be jalapen mine. Now that I'm a lob girl and like, I'm gonna be a lob girl for a very long time, I might even go shorter. I love it. I need to figure out how to do a proper blowout because if I could do a proper full glam blowout, like if I had three hours to get ready and no children around me, and you said like, do your hair however you want. It would still take me 15 minutes because I do not know how to do my hair. Yeah, I've always been bad at hair. And I'm like, what if I just watched enough reels, bought all the products, did the things and just kept going until I figured it out? Because if I could have a blowout, honestly, it would be over for everyone. It wouldn't be fair.

B (6:15)

I think I have so many thoughts on this. First of all, what a good return on your investment because if once you learn how to blow out your hair, you'll be blowing out your hair the same way in your 50s, in your 60s.

A (6:25)

True, true.

B (6:27)

So, like, I think if you take this time now, it would be a good roi. Secondly, you have. Your hair is not. You don't have that much hair. So, like, you could spend all the time in the world. It's not going to ever take that long. But I agree. You could perfect your craft.

A (6:40)

I could perfect my craft. And I do think if I did perfect my craft, it would still probably only take me 20 minutes.

B (6:46)

Now, you know who has a great blowout routine?

A (6:49)

Who?

B (6:49)

Mary Orton.

A (6:51)

Mary Orton does.

B (6:52)

And. But it's also like. Or do you have good hair?

A (6:56)

Well, and that's the thing is my hair is, like, thin and like, some people just have that, like, thick, like, coarse hair, and I just have, like very thin, like, kind of falls, flat hair. But can you just put enough product in to make it work?

B (7:12)

And I think that's the question. Okay, so that's a great micro hobby. So you're doing that. And I'm going to maybe. I mean, I'm not trying to sound like a windbag, but I might think about trying to jar jalapenos. Another thing on my radar in the kitchen. Micro hobby I'm trying to attack, which unfortunately for me, both of these things should have been done over the summer when it was jalapeno season. The other thing, though, is zucchini bread. Now, Tyler's grandma, who I've spoken about several times, she is. None of us hold a candle to her. I mean, she is just. She's absolutely next level inspiration. Like, ballerina farms. Could never.

A (7:47)

No touch.

B (7:48)

Isla Fey. Like, it's just like, not even close. Could never. Could never. Anyway, she makes this zucchini bread. This woman's 90. She makes this. Almost 90. She makes a zucchini bread.

A (7:57)

I'm sorry. Can you hear James crying in the background?

B (7:59)

I can't hear him crying. I think everyone's.

A (8:01)

I'm so sorry. He's fine. Someone will get him.

B (8:08)

Yeah, he's fine.

A (8:11)

Anyway, I'm, like, sweating right now.

B (8:13)

She makes the zucchini bread. Elizabeth, you would think, like, she'll bring it whenever we have a birthday party. And like, the way that George will turn his nose up to the cupcakes, the cake, the ice cream over the zucchini bread. And one thing I appreciate about her is she's not stingy with the recipe. I'm sor. To be stingy with a recipe is such a. It's such a character. Flawless. Not only did she give me the recipe, she laminated it and gave it to me.

A (8:37)

Yeah.

B (8:37)

So I'm also going to learn how to perfect her zucchini recipe.

A (8:41)

Okay, well, here's what I think. Honestly, I think we need to hold each other accountable. And each week we're going to do a check in. Like, have you bought the canning supplies?

B (8:50)

Okay. No.

A (8:51)

Have you bought jalapenos? Have you? Because I just ordered. Oh, this will be one of my last three transactions. I just ordered some styling stuff.

B (8:58)

Okay. I actually love that. We should do weekly check ins, weekly check ins, weekly check ins on our micro hobbies. And even if it takes us a long time, at least again we have something to talk about.

A (9:08)

But that's what I'm saying. Like I don't. If this takes me six months to perfect, like it takes, I will figure it out if I stay focused on it.

B (9:18)

Okay? So I'm gonna learn, I'm gonna. You know what, I'm gonna take my first step right now. I'm text my mother in law. I'm going to say, can you get me the jalapeno recipe?

A (9:27)

Okay. So that's Kelly's update. I am going to look at Mary Orton's page to find her blowout. And I found like, I kind of need to find like one girl at a time. I did find one girl that looked like she kind of had a similar hair to me on like Instagram. I'm like, I'm going to try hers a few times.

B (9:45)

Yeah.

A (9:46)

And see how it goes.

B (9:47)

So like that's what's new with us. And then it's so fun when everyone's like, what's new, Kelly? It's like, well, I'm trying to learn how to jar jalapenos. And you laugh. But that's a conversation starter. People are so scared. I would really challenge you. Like, if you want to build deeper relationships, don't just say you're good. Find something to talk to them about, tell them what's actually new. Now we had the farm party last week and one of my notes for myself, something I need to work on is I need to stop. I'm not the best at working the room. Like Tyler, my husband is so good at, hey, how are you popping in? He wants to hit everybody. I don't need to hit everybody. I mean, I'll say hi, but I want to, I want to sit down, I want to get to know someone or I want to catch up with someone in a real meaningful way. I don't see these people very often. So then to like be. Have my only interaction with people be like, hey, oh good, how are the kids? Like these service level convos, I'm not interested. That's what my husband's for. Yeah, I'm ready to go a layer deeper. So at the next function like that, watch out because I'm planning on cornering and I'm going to ask, like, you know, how your relationship with Jesus is or like, I'm going to go, I'm going to get crazy with it.

A (10:51)

Sure. That's normally the approach I take. I couldn't do it at the farm party because, a, there was just like, like, nowhere to sit. And also, I was just, like, always on my feet with the kids. So I did not really do things the way I wanted to, but I did dig deep on with a couple of people. So. But that. That's where I like to stay, is the deep end. Tell me anything.

B (11:13)

Yeah. So anyway, that's. That's kind of what's new with us.

A (11:17)

I do something else, though. We have been asked for the Dancing with the Stars recaps to come back. So we are going to bring them back. We will do them before Blake's Besties. This is our last Blake's Besties today. So in case you wanted to hear Dancing with Stars but couldn't handle Blake's Besties, we'll do it at the end. But, like, I'm just kind of wanting to, like, do an overview. Like, I have so many overview thoughts on Dancing with the Stars and I love it.

B (11:44)

Anyway. Another micro hobby of mine lately I've been transacting kind of like a major way Pelly.

A (11:51)

Every other email, it seems that pops across my phone is like, you ordering something.

B (11:55)

Okay, well, one thing about me is, like, I'm gonna ebb and flow. Like, I don't buy anything for a very long time, and then I buy a couple of things. I also am trying to make my life easier. And I'm so obsessed with Merrick and her outfits that when she posts something, I'm like, okay, I'm just gonna buy the whole outfit. Like, I don't have time to, like, know what looks good. I don't want to do this. I need. I feel like I need all of those things. And Merrick is such a good influencer because I'm telling you, if she's wearing pants, she will. If you buy those pants, she will be wearing those pants the entire year.

A (12:27)

She. She does something that she actually, like, shows multiple ways to wear the pant that she's telling you to buy. And they're not just, like, plain either. It's like a mustard corduroy pant. And she's like, here's 10 ways to wear a mustard corduroy pant. You're like, okay, so I can justify this $150 purchase.

B (12:48)

That's what I'm saying. So the problem was that with the outfit I wanted to buy is I had to, again, I had to source from multiple different areas. So it was a lot of small.

A (12:58)

Yeah.

B (12:59)

But they were several orders. Because I'm trying to recreate this outfit. I think I'm going to wear it to Thanksgiving. So that's why it's looked a little bad. I also don't like that you can see things. Like, I'm more scared of you seeing things than my husband seeing things.

A (13:12)

Why?

B (13:13)

I don't know.

A (13:14)

I feel like.

B (13:14)

No, I guess that's not true. I guess I just, like, need to realize that people can see. People have access to my email. They can see my transaction.

A (13:20)

Like, a lot of people have access to your email.

B (13:22)

So I should just, like, keep that in mind before I return.

A (13:24)

You could have, like, I have a shopping email.

B (13:27)

Do you.

A (13:28)

So, yeah. So it's like, it's a separate Gmail. No, but let me tell you about it. It's a separate Gmail. And if anytime someone asks for my email or I need to place an email for, like, an order online, I use that one. And number one, it filters all of the promotional emails to that one so I don't have to clean them out of my main inbox. And number two, I can easily find, like, order numbers because I just go to that email, and then I don't have, like, a million emails in there. I can much more easily find it.

B (13:58)

That's an interesting idea. It's an interesting theory.

A (14:00)

Okay, so let's talk about what you've been transacting on specifically. So now it's time for last three transactions where we share our recent bank account subtractions.

B (14:10)

Okay, so the first is the biggest. The first is the splurgiest. Okay. I bought a pair of Sam Edelman boots.

A (14:18)

Oh.

B (14:19)

Now I'm just exhausted with the boots of this. I'm honestly, I'm over it. I'm exhausted. I missed the days when all you needed was a riding boot. And that's all. Now we need mid calf, low calf, pointy, round, suede, leather brown. Like, it's exhausting and I'm not participating in it anymore. So I like the chocolate brown trend. First of all, that's an excellent, very flattering color. Where has it been? Like, where has it been?

A (14:47)

Why is chocolate brown making such a ginormous splash? You know, like, other colors that come in, I get, like, butter yellow. Had a moment. I get that ebbing and flowing. Chocolate brown is a neutral.

B (15:00)

It's a neutral, Elizabeth.

A (15:01)

It's like, it's white. It's black, it's brown.

B (15:05)

And like, that camel. Camel color is a neutral. Like, that's always in. Gray is always in black and white always in. There's no reason for chocolate brown to not always be in. It's an excellent color.

A (15:17)

I don't know. I don't know what the deal is. It's not like. And it's not that it was ever out. It's just like, it wasn't in in such a way that it was a. Available.

B (15:26)

No, I feel like it was out.

A (15:28)

I. You think, like, if you wore chocolate brown, it was like, wow, that's an outdated thing to be wearing. I just know. I. I don't think it was out. I just don't think that people were making anything in that color.

B (15:45)

So anyway, Merrick, though, was like, hey, and it's also so hard with these boots, because now you're telling me, like, skinny jeans are out, so what am I doing with taller boots? And Merrick was like, here's all these ways that you can wear tall boots. And she's like, you can wear. This is so stupid. I can't believe I'm gonna admit this out loud, but she's like, you can wear your tall boots with pants that have a wider leg. And I'm like, I can wear my tall boots with pants that have the wider leg. And no one's. Then no one knows if it's a. A full boot or an ankle. No one knows.

A (16:13)

How would they know?

B (16:14)

How would they know? So I was like, that's a really good point. Also, she's like, you can wear them with short dresses. I don't really wear short dresses right now. Just, like, not really the season of my life. She's like, but you can also wear them with long dresses. I'm like, okay, well, I do like to wear long dresses and boots. So they're suede chocolate brown, which, again, I'm liking chocolate brown. So, like, that's my color palette. Like, if you're wondering what something is, it's chocolate brown. Like, that's what I'm wearing. I don't really do a lot of black. I like navy. I like chocolate brown. Chocolate brown. So I bought these Sam Edelman tall chocolate brown suede shoes, and I hope I wear them all the time.

A (16:46)

I know. I hope you do too.

B (16:48)

I need to wear them all the time. I need to. I need to wear the soles off. But now that Merrick has them, I'm telling you, she will be showing them multiple times. Yeah, she already has. She already has.

A (16:58)

Yeah. Okay, well, that's smart to get something that Merrick has. I also bought some new shoes. I was in the market for new, like, sneakers, running shoes, shoes, gym shoes. And I love the Brooks. Yeah, you're such a good off Amazon. And, like, every seven months, I just need to buy a new pair. And that time has. Has come. Happy for you, sir. I bought those. Happy for.

B (17:35)

I. Going on this outfit that I'm trying to recreate. I bought this. This episode's sponsored by Merrick. It's actually not, but, like, it's all Merrick.

A (17:43)

For me.

B (17:44)

She was wearing those. You. You wore them to the farm party, so maybe you influenced them. But they're chocolate brown because that's the color palette that I'm in. They're the chocolate brown faux leather studs. Colette pant.

A (17:54)

No. They're so good. I wore them to the farm party. They were such a show.

B (17:59)

Did you size up?

A (18:02)

I think I got a 29. And, like, before pregnancy, I was like, a 28.

B (18:05)

Okay, I got a 28. Hopefully they're good.

A (18:09)

They are normally, like, faux leather pants are a little bit stiff, and, like, sometimes your legs get kind of sweaty in them.

B (18:16)

Totally.

A (18:17)

You know what I mean? These are more so comfortable. I was between. These are spanx jeans, because spank jeans are pretty comfortable, too. And these were comfier than those. Like, they were. They're a showstopper. They make the entire outfit, and they are incredibly comfortable.

B (18:34)

So anyway, that's what I bought.

A (18:36)

I'm going to have the same pair of pants now.

B (18:38)

We have the same pair of pants, which is a bummer. Not a bummer. It's just. It's a choice. But I'm literally going to wear this outfit, and then I'm going to stitch it with Merrick's real. I'm gonna post it on the cardboard.

A (18:49)

So you can just be like.

B (18:50)

Because Merrick. Let's be clear. Merrick wore it better. But I'm just trying to show that I also wore it and I bought everything she told me to buy.

A (18:56)

Okay. Next thing I bought. Like, I already alluded to, I bought some. I don't know if it was. It was like, a volumizing spray for my hair. Because part of the blowout is I want it to be, like, big and dramatic.

B (19:13)

Sure.

A (19:14)

And blowouty. So I just, like. A question. Huh?

B (19:17)

Have you ever had, like, a really good blowout?

A (19:22)

I don't know if I've ever had, like, a killer, like, Hollywood blowout. No.

B (19:26)

I'm wondering if, like, that should Be the first part of the side quest for you. Like, should you just go get a blow, See if it's possible? Because, like, what if I Blow Dry.

A (19:34)

Bar and say, I want.

B (19:36)

I want.

A (19:37)

I want a big blowout? Like, I want to be a 90s.

B (19:42)

I just think it could be good for a couple reasons. I think it could give you some good technique.

A (19:46)

This is a good idea.

B (19:47)

And I think it could be good to, like, know what you're actually after.

A (19:50)

Book appointment at blow dry, and I'll let you guys know how it goes.

B (19:54)

I think that's. And Barb already texted me and said she'll get me the recipe, and she has more jars for me. So do I need the recipe if I just keep sourcing more jars? I do.

A (20:02)

Will you get some of the jars for me?

B (20:04)

Yeah.

A (20:05)

You'll get me one?

B (20:06)

I'll give you one.

A (20:07)

Thank you.

B (20:08)

You're welcome.

A (20:08)

All right. Okay, so we're making. We're making waves.

B (20:13)

Okay. My last piece of this outfit I had to buy is the top. So I've got the chocolate brown pants, the suede brown shoes, and Merrick is such a good high, low girl. I wouldn't even say high low. Well, it depends on your. She's, like, medium. Like, you're. She's never gonna link a top for $400. That would be crazy. But, like, the boots were 200, which is a lot for a boot. That's why I'm kind of, like, needing to wear them or I'm gonna be sick to my stomach. But then she popped on over to Old Navy, and she is. Won't shut up about this Old Navy chartreuse sweater. She keeps wearing it, and I'm like, I think. I think we have similar coloring, her and I. Yeah. And they were on sale for 25. I bought two colors of this Old Navy sweatshirt Now sweater. Now, I am normally a sweater snob, and I really. I'm a snob because I. I'm a snob because I'm not the best laundress, if I'm being totally honest. So I always don't. I don't like buying. Like, I have a couple. I have, like, two cashmere sweaters from Quince. I dry clean those. My other sweaters, though, like, I'm trying to only do cotton because, like, I just can't wash these polyester blends. Like, they shrink. I don't know how to do it. I don't want to, like, take a polyester sweater to the dry cleaners. That seems crazy. So I don't Normally buy sweaters that aren't 100% cotton. And it's not even that they're that much more expensive. Like, J. Crew Factory has so many 100% cotton sweaters, but this one's not 100% cotton. So I'm a little worried to see how it will hold up in the.

A (21:36)

Wash, you know, and just like, let's get a going list. When you're done canning, like, maybe we tackle laundry.

B (21:44)

No, I need such. Me, my friend, were talking about this. Like, I'm just not a good laundress. I don't know if I don't have the right system. If I just don't know. I don't have the right accessories. But, like, frequently I have, like, stains that just won't come out. And, like, I have the things. I have the Ms. Mouse. I have the shout. I have all the crap. Mm. I'm telling you, there's something I'm doing wrong. Or maybe I'm just getting too lazy with, like, the sorting. But, like, how do you have time to, like, do super small loads when you have laundry for six people?

A (22:12)

Yeah. You don't? I don't know.

B (22:13)

I don't know either. And then it's like, okay, I need to remember to take that out to dry it. And then I like line dry things. But then. Then they're not soft now they're hard. So why are the things that I'm hang drying hard?

A (22:24)

Yeah. I don't know.

B (22:25)

So anyway, I bought the sweater, so that's what I bought. Sweater from Old Navy, pants from Anthropology, boots from Sam Edelman. That's hopefully my Thanksgiving outfit. I hope it's everything I'm dreaming of and more.

A (22:36)

Okay, well, when it all does come in, I do think you need to stitch that and post on the carpool Instagram because I'm, like, dying to see it now.

B (22:42)

Yeah, I think I will.

A (22:44)

Okay. The last thing I bought. It's so boring. But I am back in my sourdough era in a big way. Ever since the sourdough party, I'm so. I'm loving it. It's turning out better than I ever have before. This is your sign. If you are a sourdough girl and, like, you know what you're doing, invite your friends over and freaking teach them. Like, let's have an exchange of skills. Like, let's learn things. It's so exciting. So I'm loving it, but I needed more mason jars. Well, I needed. Because I think I got rid of a lot of mine in the mover. I Don't know where they are. So I ordered some mason jars for. I made pickled onions. Pickled red onions. And I need, like, a discard jar. And, like, I. My starter. My sourdough starter is so active that she needed a bigger jar. She's just, like, so impressive. So I bought Mason. No.

B (23:34)

She really is looking, like, super extra bubbly.

A (23:37)

No. It's like, in a way that I've never had before. Like, I was doing sourdough so wrong before, and I did not realize.

B (23:43)

Can you bring me some of your. No, I don't. I'm not ready to take this on. I'm not gonna take this on today.

A (23:47)

I did make you a loaf, though.

B (23:50)

You made me my own loaf.

A (23:52)

I didn't. It was just a plain loaf. I didn't make you the. The cinnamon.

B (23:55)

That's okay. That's okay. That is the kindest thing I've ever heard.

A (24:01)

It's not that big of a deal. I'm literally, like, so addicted to making it. It's like I'm kind of swimming in it.

B (24:05)

Tyler and George are going. Tyler and George. I may. I've made two sourdough lives successfully. And then my starter died. Or it didn't. I'm not sure what happened. I don't have it anymore. And they. George still, like. George wrote on his Mother's Day thing of last year. What's your favorite thing? Your mom cooks you. And he says sausage and her homemade bread. And I've never made it since.

A (24:28)

That sucks. That's to the core. Okay, well, anything to make George happy.

B (24:38)

Any hoozy little boozy happy to do it.

A (24:42)

Are you ready for. Because we still have kind of a lot to get to. Like, we have to do industry news or do just drive through. We have to do Dancing with the Stars recap. And we have to do Blake's Besties.

B (24:51)

Yeah. So let's get to it. Yeah.

A (24:53)

So let's get into industry news, where we spill the hot tea going on in the auto industry.

B (25:00)

Just one little quick story we're going to touch on, and that is the new Kia Telluride. So they just posted it, like, came out five hours ago. I don't like a slow burn release. If I had my way, I'll be honest. I don't like a slow burn release. But they just posted a. This is. I'm just looking it up from Auto Evolution. They post. They posted, like, a spy car version. It actually looks pretty cool. Of the Telluride. Okay. Like, they kept the wrap on, so you can basically see It. But I guess you can't see, like, all the lines.

A (25:36)

It looks exactly how I thought it was gonna look.

B (25:41)

It doesn't look. Which I could feel differently when I. When they take off the wraps, it doesn't look that different than the current one in a good way. Like, the Palisade was such a jump scare to a new car. I'm not seeing the same thing with the Telluride.

A (25:53)

Well, it's still. The Telluride was always boxier than the Palisade, and now the Palisade is super boxy. And now this is still just an upgrade. It's still boxy. So, like, I do feel like they maybe should have kept one that was slightly rounded because they're so such similar cars that it kind of came down to aesthetics in some ways that, like, they're looking kind of similar.

B (26:16)

Yeah.

A (26:17)

Based on just, like, the side profiles.

B (26:21)

I think it looks good, though.

A (26:22)

Yeah, I think it looks good too. It's giving a little bit of, like, Range Rover vibes, but that's what all these boxier cars are trying to do.

B (26:33)

So Anyway, we're excited November 10th, like, it comes out in a major way, and then hopefully we get one sometime around then. Probably not till the first of the year. I would say we won't get, like, our hands on one.

A (26:44)

Yeah. But that's okay because they're not even. I heard you say on. On your stories that they're, like, ditching the 26 model and they're just gonna come out with the 27. But, like, they're probably gonna come out with the 27 like, super early in 26, which is so annoying.

B (26:59)

Yeah, I know.

A (27:00)

But whatever.

B (27:02)

Okay, are you ready for Dancing with the Stars?

A (27:06)

Oh, that we're gonna do. Just dry through.

B (27:09)

Oh, do you have one? I do. Here's what I made for supper last night. Chicken thighs. I love a chicken thigh bone. Skin on now.

A (27:22)

Oh, I do bona. I don't do a bone.

B (27:24)

I know. I want you to listen to me, though. The bone's not that big of a deal. It's a small bone. Sure. I cut the skin off, though, because I don't know how to do skin yet. I'm not. I'm not familiar with chicken skin and cooking it properly, so I took the skin off. They were also just way cheaper with the bone in. Kind of a hack.

A (27:41)

Oh, okay.

B (27:42)

So I baked chicken thighs, and I did sweet potatoes, onion, and yellow pepper, because that's what I had. Put that in the oven giving sheet pan. Then I went over. So I'M keeping it super simple and I'm adding sauce. Right. Keep it super simple. Add sassy sauce. Kiss ass. One of my favorite Trader Joe's hacks is to get their yellow curry in a bottle. It's in a glass bottle. It's like yellow curry with a can of coconut milk. Squeeze a lime, cut up some cilantro. It makes this like very mild curry sauce. Like my kids can eat it. It's not spicy, but it's just a little bit different of a flavor profile made kind of in my rice era right now. Because I'm just finding it's a very easy thing to add to meals.

A (28:27)

Yep.

B (28:30)

Which I know is like an obvious thing to say. I don't know. I. I've also just really. I figured out how to make rice on the stove properly.

A (28:35)

I guess is why that's huge.

B (28:36)

Why I'm more into it. So then I pulled out the sheet pan meal. I put some rice, I put a chicken thigh and these veggies and then I topped with the curry sauce. I took a picture.

A (28:47)

Yum. Sounds delish.

B (28:49)

Yeah. Sorry. I just like pulled that out of kind of.

A (28:50)

I love a chicken thigh.

B (28:53)

I am really still loving that one girl on TikTok who only spends 300amonth on groceries. She's like so crazy. She's crazy. And I think she would admit that, but I really like how she just stands really strong in her theory. And it is so. I can tell, because I would be too. I can tell she's probably getting frustrated with some of the comments because people are centering themselves in like a major way and they're like, well, what happens when you run out of milk? And she's like, well, we only have milk for about the first three weeks of the month and then we don't have milk. So her. So her theory is she spends three hours a month and she only goes shopping once a week. Once a month. I'm sorry. So it's like she. So someone's like, yeah, but what about milk? And she's like, we have milk for the first three weeks and then we don't have milk.

A (29:40)

And you don't like that answer, Go buy yourself some milk.

B (29:43)

And she's like, I think it's good to learn to live without. And this person's like, well, I couldn't do that because I have a one year old. It's like, okay, so, so then go get one gallon of milk, but like, then go get a gallon of milk, but then don't say that you couldn't do what she's doing.

A (29:55)

Yeah. Because you have to go to the gas station to pick up a gallon of milk.

B (29:58)

They try to, like, find out, like, how they. They try to, like, I think when people start to feel convictions on things and they start to try to feel like, oh, well, that doesn't apply to me because X, Y and Z. And that's not. If it's not for you, it's not for you. But, like, you're missing the point. Yeah, you're missing the point. And she's actually trying to teach people how to stretch their grocery budget. Hello. Something that everyone is probably thinking about right now. How to cook from scratch. Also things people are thinking about. And you're so obsessed with, like, poking holes in the fact that she. That you think that she might need. Even if she needs to go to the gas station to get a gallon of milk. Whatever. She's still kicking your butt.

A (30:34)

Yeah.

B (30:35)

I was getting riled up for her. You know what I mean?

A (30:37)

Yeah. Yeah.

B (30:39)

And she's like, what about veggies? She's like, well, we. She, like, knows how to store her produce properly, and then in the later half of the month, they rely on canned and frozen vegetables. I was like, oh, well, I can only eat fresh. Okay, then fine, then. Then go spend $10 on your fresh veggies for the last week of the month. Like, you're not. It was just. It's. The comments are annoying me.

A (30:57)

Like, how frustrating. Like, how bored do you have to be to clearly watched a few of her videos and, like, you're.

B (31:07)

How.

A (31:07)

How bored? Like, go do something else with your life. Like, how bored do you have to be?

B (31:10)

I know.

A (31:11)

To poke holes in someone who's literally just trying to like, who's just literally trying to cook dinner for her family and go to the grocery store.

B (31:18)

She's just trying to help people. And she's really trying to help people. I need to share her. I want to try to share it again.

A (31:24)

Can I just do that really fast? Let me just look it up. Is she on Instagram?

B (31:27)

I don't think so. I'm about to delete my tick tock. Honestly, for personal reasons, but yeah, I.

A (31:33)

Don'T have tick tock.

B (31:35)

Darn.

A (31:36)

I think it's one of those things.

B (31:36)

Where I can't find her, but she just always comes across my desk.

A (31:39)

Yeah, there's this one girl. Oh, was it?

B (31:43)

No, no.

A (31:44)

There's this one girl that I love. She always comes across my Instagram reels and she's like, how I prep for my family of Nine in my small kitchen. And like, that's what all of the front of her things say. And she makes the most delicious looking gore May meal post what she made for the entire week. She's got what family of nine? She's got seven kids. They're all. I mean, her kids are really good eaters because, you know, it's good meals and not just like chicken nuggets. Anyway, she inspires me so much. I'll have to try and find out what her. Her profile is because she also just gives really good recipe ideas.

B (32:24)

My girl on Tick Tock is Nicole Sevenson. S V E N S O N. Maybe I should get her on the podcast until I'm really inspired by her.

A (32:34)

Let's do it. Message her.

B (32:39)

Maybe I will. And she's like, so I just. I'm loving it. I'm loving it.

A (32:46)

Me too. I would like to know more.

B (32:48)

Okay, let's get to Dancing with the Stars. Because, like. Okay.

A (32:51)

Dancing with the Stars. I. First of all, I called it. Do you watch my story?

B (32:59)

No. Yeah, I did.

A (33:00)

So I said that Andy was gonna stay in, Jen was gonna go home.

B (33:03)

Oh, I didn't see that. You said Jen was gonna go home.

A (33:07)

But.

B (33:12)

I'm so back and forth. Here's the problem. Here's my overall thoughts on Jen. I. I thought she was a better dancer than what I've seen. So I have to think, like, it's yawn. Like I've seen her shaking her thing on her counter on TikTok and she's got rhythm. She's a good dancer. I thought her dance last night was. Was better, but it was not good. It wasn't that good.

A (33:40)

No, it's not that good. She's not. I don't really see a lot of improvement from her. And I think, like, the biggest problem with her really is, is she's got not a lot of personality. I don't feel like I know her at all. And I watched a season of a reality show that she was on and I feel more connected to Dylan. I feel more connected to Elaine. Like, I feel more connected to Danielle. I don't know anything about her. And you're right, she's just not. And it's at the end of the day, like, Dancing with the Stars is a popularity contestant. Obviously Andy's still on it. So I'm actually not mad that Andy is. That she went home instead of Andy because I just, like, wasn't excited when she came on. Now if anyone else goes home over Andy, I'm gonna be pissed because everyone's like, oh, this is the Bobby Bones theory, where Bobby Bones was on the show and apparently he wasn't the best dancer, but he had such a good personality that the audience, like, got him to win the entire thing, which is fine. If. If someone I love is on it, I want to keep seeing them show up. Like, that's the point of the show. If Andy beats out anyone else, I'm gonna be pissed because he's not more of a sweetheart than Robert. He hasn't shown more drive and ambition to be there than Elaine. Like, he doesn't seem like Elaine wants so badly to be there and to prove something and to succeed. He's not giving me that. And he hasn't shown growth in the way that Dylan has. So it's not like he has something better than someone else on the show. Like, there is someone else on the show that is doing exactly what he's doing. And, like, I. If he. Robert's gonna win the entire thing. 100. Like, there's no way Robert doesn't win the entire thing, in my opinion.

B (35:32)

Oh, really? I'm not sure. So, first of all, let me give some. So I agree with you. I feel like Jen has things working against her. I think she's working against herself. I also, like, I'm giving her so much grace. I just honestly think she said yes to the opportunity. I think I would have done the same thing. But you're not. You have a baby. You have a young baby.

A (35:56)

Like, you're just distracted, and she sleep deprived.

B (35:58)

You had such an emotional year last year. I actually watched season two of Mormon Wives, and I didn't. I don't even know if I'll watch season three because I felt like I was seeing too much. Like, she was talking about some scary mental health thoughts and things that she was feeling, and it felt wrong to watch. And then we saw basically, her husband, like, emotionally abuse her on the show also. And now. And now she's doing Dancing with the Stars. It's like, I'm like, I don't. I. I don't want to see you here. I want to see you offline at home. I actually don't want to see you.

A (36:33)

Yeah, it's just. It's a lot. And, like, Whitney, you know, was really emotional this week because it's, like, so taxing. And she's a mom, and she's got all these things going on, and Jen is also doing those things. She's also recording a show. She's also on Dancing with the Star. She's also A mom. And also she's postpartum and she's a new. And she's a brand new mom. Like, she has a brand new baby. Like, it's so hard and it's okay to say, like, this was too much and she couldn't give. She couldn't. She couldn't bring her personality out and she couldn't. She couldn't deliver what she needed to deliver on this show.

B (37:08)

Yeah, I agree. I'm ready for Andy to go home. My, my, my. Let's do our dream top four. My dream top four is as followed. Robert, Elaine, Alex, Whitney. Oh, maybe Jordan. I forgot about Jordan. I love Jordan. Her dance was amazing. I thought her dance was amazing.

A (37:27)

I didn't like her dance.

B (37:29)

Well, neither did the judges. I felt like I was. I. I literally got my phone out and gave her 10 votes because I liked it so much. And then, no, I like to get my votes in before the judges talk because I liked it to be my opinion.

A (37:40)

I didn't like it. I feel like contemporary on Halloween night is such a layup. And she's a gymnast and, like, the harness didn't work. It wasn't translating. It looked sloppy. And, like, it. I know what they were wanting to do and it just. It didn't translate to me.

B (38:01)

Okay. Yeah.

A (38:02)

I actually love Alex. She is, like, creeping her way up to my favorite. I also. I know you don't like Dylan, but I find his dances entertaining. And it's so what I'm loving about this show. Show is like, I came into it wanting, like, watching Robert and Whitney, like, I knew those people. I was excited to see them. And now through just getting to know them in social media and the stories that they show before their dances, Like, I adore Elaine. I love Alex. And, like, Whitney is, like, kind of falling off for me. Like, her dance is still her. She's still an incredible dancer. But, like, it's the personality. It's a. Let me get behind you. Let me rally behind you. Whitney's losing me on that.

B (38:48)

And you're so. No, you're so right. Because I probably knew the most about Jen, Whitney, and Robert, and I'm like, so on my Elaine train right now. Like, Elaine is my favorite. I am most excited for Elaine's dance.

A (39:02)

Her rehearsal was amazing. I'm so bummed we didn't get to see it because her dance was so good. She is such a good dancer. I love her.

B (39:10)

I love her. I love her. Now. I. I don't want to, like, just harp on Dylan, but, like, no, I Can't stand the man. I'm ready for him to go home.

A (39:19)

I like Dylan.

B (39:20)

Okay, here's my thoughts on Dylan, and I'm trying to be as nice as possible. What were those photos that I had to. That I had to watch on my screen of him sticking his bum in the air on a beach?

A (39:30)

That looked like a joke to me. It looked like he was for, like, the sexiest man alive photo shoot. And he did, like, one serious sexy one and one funny sexy one.

B (39:41)

I just don't think I should have to question if it was funny or sexy. And that's just where I think I'm, like, I'm not liking that. Also, like, I just cannot believe. I just find it. Like, I don't like seeing, like, Danielle is a married woman. Why are they trying to sell this, like, romance? And, like, she has, like, the bite marks on her neck, and he's, like, almost biting her neck. I mean, I don't like it. She's married. It's a little too much. Their chemistry is a little too much for me.

A (40:09)

Like, then did you see Jenna and Jan's dance? Like, theirs was sexy, waxy looking. Like, they were about to make out. Like, I think that's just.

B (40:15)

They're professionals.

A (40:16)

That's the art of dance. I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. I don't know.

B (40:20)

Maybe I was too jealous of a wife. I literally, like, no, not my husband. He's not out there.

A (40:26)

I don't think you have to worry about it.

B (40:29)

Actually.

A (40:29)

Tyler's a good dancer. If Tyler would let the truck. Dad take out. Take off, and they're, like, taking influencers now. He could be on Dancing with the Stars, but, like, don't let him get paired up with Daniela. That's what I'm saying.

B (40:42)

I'm sorry. I don't like it and it doesn't. But then I feel like I'm not missing that passion with, like, Elaine and what's her part? And Alan, like, I still think they have good chemistry without being so, like, oh, are they, like. Are they, like.

A (40:59)

I don't know, but that's their thing. Like, their thing. And that's what the judges said. Like, their thing is, like, sexy wax. So I don't know. I agree with you, though. I think it'll be Alex. I don't know if it will be Whitney. I think Whitney deserves it, but I don't know if Whitney's gonna have the votes.

B (41:17)

I don't know.

A (41:18)

Also, the monster Thawne. Alex should have won that.

B (41:22)

Oh, Elizabeth. 1,000%. Alex should have won that.

A (41:27)

Like, what? I did not notice Whitney one time. I was captivated by Alex.

B (41:32)

I was captivated by Alex.

A (41:34)

I love Alex. I'm such an Alex fan now.

B (41:37)

And I mean, most of America does. Like, that's just the number one influencer. It's like, I mean, yeah, she's great. She's great, but I didn't.

A (41:42)

I didn't care. Like, I didn't. I wasn't following her. Like, I didn't. I'm just. I'm really into her.

B (41:48)

My last thing I'll say is what I do love about this show is I like that things happen every week. I just feel like I don't watch a lot of, I guess, competition shows, and now I even feel like the scripted shows I watch or even the reality TV that I watch, you'll have an episode where nothing really happens. Someone's going home.

A (42:07)

Like, like, no. All day on Tuesday. I have, like, butterflies in my stomach. Like, I am feeling things. Like, I am going to be so sad when it's over once Andy goes home.

B (42:19)

But I honestly, I don't know when he's gonna go home. I'm done guessing when he will go home. Who do you think outside of Andy, who do you think is next?

A (42:27)

Danielle? I don't know Danielle or Jordan. I just don't know that they have the votes or the following or, like, America behind them.

B (42:40)

Yeah, Danielle.

A (42:41)

But also, like, again, I do not know America's read on Whitney at all. I like Whitney. I like watching her.

B (42:49)

Do you wish it was at all, like, a rolling score? Because, like, you're really only good as you did this week. Like, you're getting eliminated off of one dance, basically.

A (42:59)

No, I. I don't know. No, I'm just curious. I don't have an opinion.

B (43:04)

Okay.

A (43:04)

I think that would be hard to do.

B (43:07)

Well, guys, that was our Dancing with a Star recap. It feels good to be back.

A (43:10)

We'll be doing this. I had so much to air on that.

B (43:13)

Well, and also, like, with our recording schedule, it's really hard for us to record podcasts back to back. So this has been more fun for me. I'm enjoying it more.

A (43:20)

Yeah. Okay. Well, now it is time for our last Blake's Besties, because October is ending in. October is infant and pregnancy Loss awareness month. So we are going to read a few stories from people who. From our followers, our audience, our carpoolers who have lost their babies too soon. This comes from Nicole in March of 2021. We are thrilled to be expecting A sibling of our oldest who had always been. Who had been asking for a baby. Always a sweet memory we cherish, especially the clip of him holding our dog's face, sharing his wish. But that joy turned into heartbreak when we learned our baby no longer had a heartbeat. I had a DNC at the end of the month and we grieved deeply. Especially knowing my sister and I would have shared our maternity leaves together. Just months later, In August of 2021, we were blessed with another pregnancy, but it ended in a second miscarriage. Then in October, we found out we were expecting again. On my birthday on November 7, I lost our third baby for the first time. Held one of those tiny souls in my hands. I sat on the bathroom floor sobbing, asking God why this kept happening. On November 27, 2022. This is now a year later from that third loss. After a year of trying, we received another positive test. I was terrified but hopeful. We waited anxiously for our first ultrasound in January 2023. Then, just before Christmas, tragedy struck again. I found out my dad had passed away in his sleep. I was the one that found him. The grief was overwhelming and I feel feared this baby wouldn't survive either. I didn't know how I could endure another loss. But on January 5, 2023, I believe my dad and God spiled down on us. We saw not one, but two thriving babies. We'd later find out they were identical twin girls. Tilly and Iris arrived a month early on July 2, 2023, and spent time in the NICU. But they were healthy and beautiful. We felt so blessed by God and my dad, who I believe helped guide them safely into the world. I often think of our three babies who never made it Earthside. I believe they're with my dad and God, being loved and cared for until we meet again. That thought brings me peace. Thought through, though the heartache. Thank you for sharing these stories. I remember listening to this podcast while driving around with my infant girls, crying for the other moms who felt the same pain. Knowing I wasn't alone brought comfort. And knowing that God blesses us in ways we can't imagine when the time is right gives me hope. I pray it brings hope to others, too.

B (45:54)

Okay, this comes from Sam, who's on our team. Mama knows. Car seats. Hi. Kelly and Kylie's godmother. Yeah, that's right. I'm Kylie. Not to brag. Did you know that I was Kylie's godmother?

A (46:06)

I didn't until I read that email.

B (46:07)

Yeah, Kelly and I were on Facetime when she Asked if I could keep a secret and shared she was pregnant with Libby, I laughed and said, well, you can. You keep one too. Libby, Kylie and I'd soon find out. Sloan were all due in September. With both of us pregnant and with us on our fourth and final baby. We commiserated about the pains and fatigue at the New York Auto show, joked about how he'd be insanely pregnant at the Carham Auto show in July, and planned on having Matt leave together. Though unexpectedly, Kylie's heart stopped being at the end of April and none of those plans were realized. She was born sleeping into my arms and took a piece of my heart with her when she left. Unannouncing on Instagram paled in comparison to telling our three children that their baby sister was in heaven. They love and miss her so much and continue to talk about her all the time. Mia, who is two and a half, just started saying her name and puts on the biggest smile on her face. Almost one year later to the day, Kylie's little brother Lincoln joined our family. I believe she handpicked him for us. I'm so grateful for the gift sent from my angel. He wouldn't be here without her. I look forward to the day when I get to hold my baby girl again and I'm sure we'll be eating nerds gummy clusters together. My biggest pregnancy craving and funny memory. Shout out to Sydney. Because when we were at the New York Auto Show, Sydney had to go source gummy clusters in New York City.

A (47:22)

Which was harder than Sam and I wanted them so badly. We had. We were on our feet all day and we were like, there is a concession in the event complex. Let's go get them. It had closed two minutes early. We were devastated. Sydney was like, I'll go rock to a convenience store to get you gummy clusters.

B (47:42)

So I just wanted to shout out or then said Sam, said Sam says, love Kylie's mom. And I just want to shout out Sam. I mean, I know, I know every woman who's written in has had this similar experience, but it was so hard because Sam and I found out we were pregnant basically together at the New York Auto Show. We were in like our firstest trimesters, like, not feeling great. And then come the auto show, I'm so pregnant and Sam's not. And it was like I didn't know if she was going to want to go. I was like, hey, I totally understand if it's like just too much to be around me right now. And like, Sam was so unbelievably. Kind and brave. And she also never one time made me feel like I wasn't celebrated or like that my pains with Libby or like being, you know, eight months pregnant at the auto show. Like she was still so gracious and kind with me when she didn't have to be, when it was probably so painful for her to be. And she just put on a really brave face and I just love her so much and she's such a good friend of mine and she's so critical to this team.

A (48:48)

Yeah, it was. It had to be. It has to be. In similar story we just read too where she was supposed to be on matley with her sister. It's gotta be so hard to see and to be around people who you like thinking like that's where I shouldn't have been. That's got to be impossible. It's got to just be impossible. But yeah, Sam handled it all with like such grace and she handles everything with such grace. So I have one more. One more. Blake's besties for 2025. Hi girls. I just finished the podcast episode about the COVID babies and the tough times for moms during COVID It struck me that I should share my lost story as a thank you to nurses. We were pregnant with our second baby of spring of 2020. We had a one and a half year old and we're so excited. My sister in law was also pregnant and our babies would have been two months apart. Fast forward to my eight week appointment. There was a weak heartbeat. I had to wait 10 agonizing days to go for another check. No heartbeat confirmed at the appointment. At the appointment, due to covet times, I had to be scheduled for a coveted test the day before they would schedule my dnc. Literally the longest days of my life. On the morning of my dnc, my husband dropped me off. I walked in alone. There was absolutely no support people allowed in surgery center. These were strict Covid guidelines. I took the elevator to the waiting room, signed myself in and sat in a chair alone. I was so sad. The nurse called my name to head back to prep for the procedure and had me step on a scale to get weighed in. I started to sob. It just hit me that I was going through this alone. This angel of a woman put her hand on my back and said, forget this. Call your husband, tell him to come back, have him gave my name at the desk. She broke protocol and possibly put herself at risk for punishment. But in that moment, she was a woman supporting a woman when I needed it the most. Thank you to the nurses and doctors who were doing their their best during this very hard co days and to also be kind humans. I will never forget that hand on my back. In 2021, we re we welcomed our rainbow baby, Caroline. She completed our family and I can't imagine our life without her. Thank you for giving space for these stories. You guys are my favorite podcast and.

B (51:00)

That'S going to wrap up Blake's besties for the year.

A (51:04)

Thank you for everyone who trusted us to share your stories. Thank you for writing in. We are honored to read them and we are gutted and so sad for all of your losses. You are so strong. You are amazing and we love you.

B (51:26)

We love you so much. And that's gonna be your episode. So we will see you guys next week. Hope you guys have happiest Halloween. Have fun with your kiddos this weekend and we'll see you guys Wednesday.

A (51:39)

Bye.

B (51:40)

Thank you for listening to the Carpool.

A (51:42)

Podcast with Kelly and Liz. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an episode.

B (51:48)

And if you enjoyed riding with us.

A (51:49)

Tell everybody you know there's room in.

B (51:52)

The car for everyone.