ChatGPT. The robots are taking over. Have you heard of this? David has it doing all kinds of automation tasks for us and while I’m impressed, I’m also a little freaked out by it. It’s interesting though because it makes all the blog posts I used to spend hours on, the evergreen “how to” and things like that, fairly obsolete. The technology can crank those posts out in less than 60 seconds. So in the blogging/social world it seems to me that all that’s really left is to focus on sharing life experiences, because a robot can’t replicate that… yet.
Unpopular food opinions. This was a topic I shared on IG stories last night and found hugely entertaining. It kicked off with me spending $80 at Publix on about 10 items and sharing my unpopular food opinion: I can’t shop Whole Foods for cheaper than most any other grocery store. Then I asked for your unpopular food opinion and got a slew of responses from Trader Joe’s is overrated, to avocados are gross, that mayo reigns supreme over butter for grilled cheeses, meal planning doesn’t save money, overnight oats make me gag, and more. I loved reading them on and having us all vote on whether we agreed; seriously entertaining! What’s your unpopular food opinion?
BVI Prep. It’s crunch time for BVI packing, which feels so much easier than skiing packing because all you really need is a bathing suit. Ok, maybe a few more items, but we are keeping it simple. We have fins and snorkels for everyone, Keens for all, and I’m so psyched to find the best shorts ever that I bought 2 pairs. They hit me at the right spot (I’m 5’1″), are made of quick dry material, and have zipper pockets.
Allergies. Mine have been tickling me a bit with some sneezes here and there but poor H; she’s been miserable each morning and night with itchy, red, swollen eyes. I have air purifiers pumping, we changed the air filters, I washed all her sheets and pillows, she showers every night, I give her allergy medicine, and it’s still miserable. I just ordered her a kid quercetin/stinging nettle combo but if you have any other tips to try, please let me know. I’ve been keeping a wet rag in the freezer for her to put on her eyes.
House projects. David is pulling out his tool belt and taking on a few projects! Removing wire shelving from the pantry and installing wood shelves, do the same to our shoes closet, and also building out a real mud room with cubbies and a bench. Me? I plan to plant my tomatoes, so we’re all pitching in around here.
Spark aligners. I’m only on day 5 of these new Spark teeth aligners, but they’ve already rid me over jaw clenching and popping in the morning. It must because it acts like a nightguard, but either way, I’m happy. They don’t bother me much during the day except I’m not able to sip tea all day long like I usually prefer. Just water.
Homeschool review. With our end of year testing on the book for the end of May, we are sliding into review mode. I bought Spectrum math books for both kids, and we’re combing through those. My new Beautiful Feet US Geography unit just arrived and I’m so excited! Thinking we will start that in July.
I’m turning 40 in September. As of right now, I’m completely unbothered by the number; it actually kind of feels like a badge of honor. We’ll see if I freak out at all as it gets closer. David keeps asking how I want to celebrate it and I have no idea. Homemade dessert by the kids? Trip to Glacier NP? Hmm… I’ll have to think on it! 😉
Chickens. Does everyone you know have chickens or is it just my friend group? We got to visit my friend, Janna’s, chicks yesterday and they are the cutest. Both K and H are asking when we can get some. One day…
I’d choose the dog. We have a trip to Maine scheduled for July with my family and I’m SO excited about it; I’ve never been and I sure do love those people of mine. However, it’s been a bit of a pain to figure out what to do with Finley for an extended period of time. While bemoaning this fact, David reminded me that I was the one that pushed for the dog. And you know what? I’d choose the dog over and over again. The lovable, crazy ball of fur snoring next to me right now makes me insanely happy. Dogs are the best.
How is that for a random smattering of topics? Tell me, what’s on your mind lately? What’s your unpopular food opinion? I hope you have a great weekend; thanks so much for stopping by!!
Jerrica says
Neti pot for allergies! It took me so many miserable years of allergies-meds and all the things. I moved and got a new dr who told me that all of those things are like bandaids. They treat the symptoms but until you actually remove the buildup of pollen from your sinuses, you can’t treat the actual problem. It all just lays in your sinuses and festers. I have been a neti pot user for two years now and I don’t even take allergy meds anymore. Just a quick rinse morning and night and im good to go in eastern NC. The squeeze bottle is so much easier to use than the pot so 10/10 recommend that.
Brittany Dixon says
What do you put in your neti pot? I gave her a saline nasal rinse spray and she does that twice a day, but maybe a pot would work better?
Stacey says
Our Dr said the exact same thing about it sitting in your sinuses and festering — I’ve never thought of it like that before. As an adult I use a neti pot with the saline rinse packet 2x per day, 365 days a year to avoid sinus infections, allergies, etc. However I can’t get my 8 and 5 year old on board yet… because of this the Dr recommended that even just a pump of saline up their nostrils once they come back inside will do wonders to rinse out all the allergens they ingested while outside. I hope you can find some relief; nothing worse than not being able to fully enjoy the wonderful spring weather!
Kelli H says
My unpopular food opinion is I can’t stand Starbucks. I don’t have any tricks for allergies! I just suffer through mine and it’s tough!
We had our floors replaced downstairs last month and then new trim around windows and baseboards installed but we’re doing the finish work of filling the nail holes, sanding, caulking, and painting and it’s been so much work but it’s saving us $4,500! I’m so over the work though haha
Brittany Dixon says
I’m not a fan of Starbucks, either. I’ll happily drink one on a road trip, but don’t find it to be anything special and would always opp for local spot if I can find one. I’m impressed with your home project work; how satisfying! Exhausting I’m sure, but satisfying 🙂
Jenni D says
Allergy shots!! I can’t recommend them enough! Yes, it is a pain to go twice a week for months on end, but my son was SO allergy ridden for so many months a year before. He was always itchy and puffy and snotty, and got Zyrtec constantly, and nose sprays etc. ONE month on allergy shots and he was feeling 10000x better. Now we’re done with phase 1, and he is a whole different person. Zero itchiness, doesn’t snore at night, doesn’t sound so nasal when he talks, sleeps better, and has needed NO allergy medicine for months now. It’s really been incredible. I would highly, highly recommend looking into it! The “shots” aren’t painful either, its just under the skin like a TB test. He doesn’t even flinch. Definitely worth looking into!
Brittany Dixon says
That’s incredible; I’m so thrilled for your son! I called this afternoon to get her an appt with an allergist. It’s so hard to watch them struggle. I’ll definitely ask about shots; thank you!
Sarah says
I was just going to leave this same comment! We see Dr. Gilchrist at the Carolina Asthma and Allergy clinic in Cornelius. My 10 yo daughter has been doing shots since August. She is typically miserable March through end of May (WHILE taking numerous medications, face wipes, showers, restricting activity on high pollen count days, etc.) and it affects her sleep, behavior, happiness, and our family activities. Cut to now! She hasn’t had to touch a SINGLE med this allergy season…just did eye drops once when she had been in the woods. It is a night. And. Day. Difference. You have to commit to going at least once a week (we try to fit in twice when we can) but she will be done by Sept or Oct at our current rate and she is soooo much happier!!! It was mostly covered by our insurance too so I think the whole thing will cost less than $1k (including the testing) when we are done. Worth it!!! I recommend this clinic heartily.
Michelle says
I wholeheartedly recommend allergy shots as well. I’m in Asheville and although it’s taken 1-4 visits a month for the past 9 months (started shots in July of 2022), my spring season has been SIGNIFICANTLY different. I’ll have to continue to go 1-2 times a month for many months, but to me it has been so worth it! Just wanted to echo other comments. H is probably old/mature enough to understand the purpose and benefits (even though being stuck with needles fairly often doesn’t sound fun). SCIT has long term benefits too, meaning this could help prevent seasonal allergy suffering for the rest of her life! Good luck!
Ali Rodriguez says
Hi Brittany!
Re: allergies, i struggle terribly with seasonal allergies too from about the time I was Hailey’s age. I’ve been working with. Nutrition therapy practitioner and she recommended the supplement called D-Hist for me and the kids version for my son who also struggles and it has worked really well!! I would def recommend at least trying it to see if it works for her. I hope she can find some relief soon 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Thank you! I just looked into this and couldn’t figure out if it was Ok for kids so I ordered something kid specific that seemed similar- it shows up today! If it doesn’t work I’m going to get the d-hist. Thank you!
Sarah says
10/10 recommend getting chickens! My kids love them and you can’t beat the fresh eggs.
Brittany Dixon says
High on the list as soon as we are allowed to have them 🙂
Alyssa says
For the dog… we used Rover when we had to leave our dog Watson. He was such a social dog and loved to be around people. With Rover, we met a couple of families in the area and chose the one we thought would be the best fit for him! We got pictures and videos of him playing and all tuckered out. It was the absolute best and I recommend that site all the time!