Kelly and Liz trade life updates—hospital drama with Sloan’s infected gland and surgery, Kelly’s painful stye, and the emotional shift of entering different parenting stages (including Kelly’s pregnancy). Between that, they dive into Kelly’s new “micro hobby”: American Girl TikTok and the weird childhood trauma of a too-big My Twin doll. They also share a home system called “reps” (read/education/play/service) before TV. Faith and family come up with Liz’s husband converting to Catholicism. Car talk dominates the back half: New York auto show impressions (Atlas refresh, Hyundai Boulder, Pacifica praise, Subaru/ Toyota crossover, and Kelly’s Expedition order plans). Finally, Liz updates her sugar fast and restrictive health program for histamine/hives, plus salad-prep dinner ideas.
A LOT has happened in the last week! Kelly has gone to and returned from New York. Lizz has gone in and out of the hospital. Little Sloane's infection from last week wasn't improving and ultimately required surgery. Luckily, she is on the mend but now Lizz has a concerning medical issue of her own. Will she ever get a break?
Over at the Stumpe household, Kelly has a couple new micro-hobbies. First, she has done down the TikTok rabbit hole of American Girl dolls and trying to get her daughter Hattie into them. She had a doll as a kid and Lizz got stuck with the lesser version, which led to some unrevealed trauma. The other micro-hobby will help keep the kids busy this summer. R.E.P.S. is the new system in her house and this is an idea you are going to want to steal!
There is a TON to talk about post New York Auto Show, including a bunch of reveals. From the Atlas to the Hyundai Boulder, Kelly is breaking down all the hits and misses. Plus, she got to check out their sister's New York apartment while in town and she has notes.
Before they Ditch the Drive-Thru, Kelly and Lizz give an update on their Lent accomplishments. Kelly has learned a lot about her health during her sugar-free journey and is ready to share it. The 40 Days of Less was a big hit for Lizz and has inspired her to keep clutter to a minimum.
"Like I really do think, I'm sorry, there's not a better bench in the midsize market. Like, and I will take that."
“Midsize market” is the segment of vehicles that are larger than compact SUVs but smaller than full-size models. When someone says they’re comparing within the midsize market, they’re usually talking about competing SUVs with similar interior volume and pricing.
"Like it is one of the most car seat friendly. If not the most car seat friendly midsize SUV you can get. Like it just is."
“Car seat friendly” means the car is easier to use with a child car seat. That usually includes enough space in the back and seatbelts that make installation simpler.
“Car seat friendly” refers to how easy it is to install and live with child safety seats in a vehicle. In practice, it often comes down to seatbelt geometry, rear-seat space, access to the back seat, and whether the seat can be tightened without awkward angles.
"Like they didn't really make it any more car seat friendly. Like they didn't give me the lower anchors."
Lower anchors are built-in points in the car that help you attach a child car seat safely. If they’re missing, you usually have to use the seat belt to secure the seat instead.
“Lower anchors” refers to the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) used to secure child seats in a vehicle. If a vehicle doesn’t have them, installing a car seat can be more difficult and may require using the seat belt instead.
"They did give us side pillar vents, which was interesting."
“Side pillar vents” are air outlets mounted in the vehicle’s A-pillar/B-pillar area (the vertical trim near the doors). They can be a practical upgrade for rear-seat comfort because they can aim airflow more directly toward passengers.
"we called it Uber and the Uber we got was an Audi Q7. And which, you know, Volkswagen owns Audi."
The Audi Q7 is a family-sized luxury SUV. Here it’s mentioned because it already has the kind of rear-seat vents the speaker is noticing in other vehicles.
The Audi Q7 is a midsize luxury SUV known for having thoughtful rear-seat ventilation options, including side pillar vents. In the segment, it’s used as a comparison point for how quickly other models (like the Atlas) adopted similar features.
Volkswagen is the parent company behind Audi. Because they’re connected, cars from different brands can share similar design ideas and parts.
Volkswagen Group owns Audi, which is why the speaker connects the Q7’s features to what might show up in other Volkswagen Group vehicles. This kind of shared platform/engineering can lead to similar interior packaging and HVAC vent designs across brands.
"And so then it kind of like, there was a lot of reveals at the New York auto show. ... cause they got no reveals, like not a single reveal at the Chicago auto show."
At car shows, a “reveal” is when a company officially shows a new car or big update for the first time. More reveals usually means more excitement and more news coverage.
“Reveals” at auto shows are the big moments when automakers officially unveil new vehicles, trims, or concept cars—often accompanied by press conferences and media coverage. The segment uses “reveals” to explain why one show generated more buzz than another.
"And so then it kind of like, there was a lot of reveals at the New York auto show. And it's so funny because I ran into the Chicago auto show crowd at New York."
An auto show is a big event where car companies show off new cars and big updates. The New York one is known for getting a lot of media attention, so “reveals” there can make headlines.
The New York International Auto Show is an event where automakers unveil new vehicles, concept cars, and major updates. In the segment, the hosts are discussing how many “reveals” happened there and how that affected attention from the press and enthusiasts.
"Cause I guess like they like come to like checking with the manufacturers. But like, Oh, what do you think of the Chicago auto show? ... cause they got no reveals, like not a single reveal at the Chicago auto show."
Chicago also hosts a major car show where companies try to impress people with new cars. In this conversation, they’re basically saying Chicago didn’t have as many exciting announcements as New York.
The Chicago Auto Show is another major North American auto show where manufacturers typically announce new models and concepts. Here, the speaker contrasts it with New York by saying Chicago had fewer or no big announcements, which made the crowd “salty.”
"...ng reveal. There was a couple was definitely the Hyundai Boulder. Yeah."
The Boulder is an off-road SUV model from Hyundai. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a new competitor in the same general category as other rugged SUVs.
The “Hyundai Boulder” is referenced as a competitor in the off-roading SUV segment, positioned against vehicles like the Ford Bronco. It’s being discussed in the context of a reveal, which typically means the podcast is covering a new model’s introduction and how it fits into that rugged SUV category. The key point is that it’s part of the growing lineup of off-road-focused SUVs.
"... like a little just like shook up about the whole palisade of it all. Like, you know, and I'm just going to..."
The Palisade is a large SUV with three rows of seats, meant for families or groups. It’s designed to carry more people comfortably and still feel practical for everyday driving.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize three-row SUV built for families who want a comfortable ride and room for passengers. It’s often discussed because it competes in the popular “big family SUV” segment and tends to be a value-focused option. In a podcast, it may come up when people are comparing what’s new or what offers the most space and features.
"And you know, looking back, I've kind of felt that way about the Santa Fe too. The Santa Fe when they redid it, like now I'm more into it than I was, but I'm still not gooped over it."
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a popular family SUV. The speaker is saying the newer version looks a bit too boxy for their taste, so they’re not interested in buying one.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that has been redesigned across multiple generations. In this segment, the speaker is reacting to how the newer Santa Fe looks—specifically calling it “boxy” and not something they’d buy.
"The new Telluride stunt. Like I love the new Telluride."
The Kia Telluride is a larger SUV meant for families, with room for people and cargo. The speaker likes the newer version’s look and vibe.
The Kia Telluride is a three-row midsize SUV known for its upscale interior and family-friendly packaging. Here, the speaker is praising the “new Telluride,” implying Kia’s recent design direction is more appealing to them.
"So like this off-roading SUV segment, like there is buyers for it. We've got the Defender."
This is the group of SUVs people buy specifically for rough roads and trails. The speaker is saying there are enough buyers that many brands keep making (or reviving) these models.
The “off-roading SUV segment” refers to SUVs marketed for trail use and rugged capability, often with features like high ground clearance, off-road modes, and strong aftermarket support. The speaker argues there are buyers for this niche, citing multiple mainstream models.
"We've got the Defender. We've got the Wrangler. We've got the Land Cruiser."
The Land Rover Defender is a tough off-road SUV with a long history. The speaker is listing it as one of the big names in rugged SUVs.
The Land Rover Defender is a classic British off-road SUV known for rugged capability and a strong heritage. It’s mentioned here as part of the lineup of vehicles competing in the off-roading SUV market.
"Like would you really ever buy that over a Bronco? Because the Broncos are amazing."
The Ford Bronco is a tough, off-road SUV. The speaker is basically saying, “Would anyone choose this instead of a Bronco?”
The Ford Bronco is a modern off-road SUV known for its rugged styling and capability. In this segment, it’s used as the benchmark competitor for whatever the speaker is discussing.
"And then it's just like you always have to wonder where is General Motors in this segment? They don't have, the closest thing they have to a competitor in this space is like a Tahoe Z71."
General Motors is the big company that makes multiple car brands. Here, the speaker is wondering why GM isn’t competing more directly in the off-road SUV space.
General Motors (GM) is the parent company behind brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and others. The speaker is questioning why GM doesn’t offer a direct off-road competitor in the same “segment” as the Bronco.
"So like if you get the right car seats, like it is an affordable van that has stolen go. That comes in all wheel drive."
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four tires. That can help with grip in bad weather like rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels, improving traction in rain, snow, and uneven surfaces. The speaker highlights AWD as part of why the Pacifica can be a practical choice for families.
"So like Chrysler has a brand new logo. And at the press conference, I guess Chrysler got a new CEO question mark."
Chrysler is a car company that makes vehicles for families. They’re mentioning Chrysler’s new logo and a CEO showing up at a big announcement event.
Chrysler is an American automaker (part of Stellantis today) known for minivans and family-focused vehicles. In this segment, they’re talking about Chrysler’s new branding and a CEO appearance at a press event.
"They had kids there, like getting it out of the minivan and like kids telling us what they liked about it. And it was just, it felt very family."
A minivan is a family-oriented vehicle designed for easy entry/exit, sliding doors, and multiple rows of seats. It’s typically chosen for practicality—especially when kids and car seats are involved—rather than for sporty driving dynamics.
"And then we had to hightail over to Subaru, which I haven't even talked about this yet. I have a video filmed."
Subaru is a car brand that makes practical vehicles, often with good traction. Here, they’re talking about Subaru’s new SUV reveal.
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for all-wheel-drive systems and family-friendly vehicles. In this segment, Subaru is hosting a reveal for a new SUV and the hosts discuss the event and naming.
"It doesn't go with the rest of their names, Forrester, Outback, Ascent, like getaway. Like it's not a good, I know what they're trying to do, but it's not, it's not, it's not a vehicle name."
The Subaru Forrester is a Subaru SUV model people recognize. They bring it up to show that Subaru usually uses more traditional car-style names.
The Subaru Forrester is one of Subaru’s long-running SUV nameplates. The hosts mention it to illustrate Subaru’s naming style—using established model names rather than something like “Getaway.”
"[2051.2s] Tours coming and then Ford debuted their 30th edition expedition and kind of like my biggest decision-making process right now is I have decided to order a new expedition.
[2060.4s] I am going to wait for the 27 ordering to open and I'm going to order one.
[2064.3s] I don't think you should get the blue color."
“30th edition” means it’s a special anniversary version of the vehicle. It usually includes special features or styling, and that can make it more expensive.
A “30th edition” indicates a special anniversary trim/package with unique styling or equipment. These editions often come with specific color options and add-ons that can raise the price compared with standard trims.
"[2070.4s] I don't think it's the best blue I've seen.
[2072.8s] It's not the best blue and I'm telling you it's expensive.
[2075.5s] So like that blue is like it's, it's low nineties."
They’re saying the blue option costs more. When you customize a car, certain colors or packages can add extra money.
The speaker notes that the blue option is “expensive,” implying a premium upcharge for that paint or edition-specific configuration. This is a common real-world buying factor: options and colors can add significant cost beyond the base price.
"[2085.3s] And you're paying for like things I don't want because like you can't just get that color, that color.
[2089.42s] "
They’re saying you can’t pick that color by itself. To get the color you want, you might have to buy extra options you don’t care about.
This suggests the premium color is bundled with other packages or options, so you can’t select the paint alone. For buyers, that means you may pay for equipment you don’t want just to get the exterior color you do.
"I'm waiting to see if I can get a white stealth edition with the bench because allegedly I couldn't."
A “bench” seat is one long seat instead of two separate seats. It can fit more people and can make the inside feel more open.
A “bench” refers to a bench-style seat in the front row (or sometimes second row), rather than separate captain’s chairs. It changes how many people can sit comfortably and can affect how the cabin feels and how easy it is to access the rear.
"I want to just support me because I do think I'm going to go with the white stealth, which I know like it looks a little cop car... I don't think expedition gives me cop car."
“Cop car” here is just a vibe check—like whether the vehicle looks like something you’d see on a police fleet. They’re saying they don’t think their Expedition gives that look.
“Cop car” is a styling perception—often referring to certain colorways, graphics, or lighting/trim choices that resemble police fleet vehicles. The speaker is debating whether their SUV’s look gives that impression, and they also mention other pop-culture comparisons.
"But what do you want me to do with that black tailgate? You know, I think you're choosing the best with this, with the cars you've been dealt like with the black tailgate."
A tailgate is the back door of a truck or SUV that you open to get into the trunk/cargo space. Saying it’s “black” is just describing the color of that rear door.
A tailgate is the rear door on many SUVs and trucks that swings open to access the cargo area. When someone mentions a “black tailgate,” they’re usually referring to the rear exterior panel/door finish and styling.
Select text to request an explanation
Welcome to the Carpool podcast with Kelly.
You can't mother your husband.
No, yeah.
And like, I know.
Like, sometimes I want to call his mom
and be like, can you start mothering him again?
He needs some help.
And Liz.
And we went to the American Girl store
and we had like a tea party.
Anyway, my stupid, my twin doll was too big for the seat.
Your mom time off starts now.
Welcome back to the Carpool podcast with Kelly and Liz.
Oh, and like, we have lived so many lives since the last time
we were on this microphone.
No freaking joke.
Oh my gosh.
You've been to and from New York.
I've been in and out of the hospital again.
No, I know, like we could not have had different.
We've had Easter.
We've had a freaking major holiday.
Yeah.
We couldn't have had more different experiences.
How is Slola holding up?
Sloan's doing amazing.
So we ended up having to go like a brief version.
We ended up, they sent us home on antibiotics
with her infected gland.
And then it just like wasn't getting better.
In fact, it was getting worse.
And so I took her to the ER again.
And within like two minutes of getting the CT scan,
they were like, oh yeah, she's going to need surgery.
So they had to do surgery to drain it,
which is fairly common.
And she has just been recovering like a champ,
but it did require two more nights in the hospital.
But it's just outside of the fact that I have to like
change her band-aids and like she can't get it wet.
And I'm just keeping a closer eye on her.
Like she is her normal self.
Like it's amazing if I would have had like a surgery
and had like an open wound on my neck,
the way I'd be like, I can't get out of bed.
Like I'm milking this.
And kids are just like, let me go run around.
Let me go to the like, let me go play.
Like let's go outside.
Let's go for a walk.
And I would be like, let me bring me food.
Let me watch Netflix all day.
I'm so happy to hear she's on the up.
She's on the up.
I'm now on the downhill for some reason.
Yeah.
I woke up the day after Easter with a horrible stye.
Like the most painful stye I've ever had.
And the styes are so annoying because just like,
yeah, warm compress hope for the best is basically
what the internet tells you to do.
Can you see the stye?
I can't see it.
No.
I think you need to go to an eye doctor to be honest with you.
Because like, I feel like when you can't see it,
like sometimes they need to like make sure it's like
not going to like, you know, get worse.
Is it on the top?
Yeah, it's on the top.
So the top is harder to see like the bottom.
You can like pull down to the top.
The top is harder to see.
I'm just like afraid I'm going to go there and then
I'm going to be like warm compress and hope for the best.
No, you're like so like, no, I've been sad.
I know.
I know.
And like this is just where it's really hard to be like,
I just really feel like, you know, we're just,
we've been in the same life stage for like the last
several years.
And like now unfortunately we are entering different life
stages and it's just really hard.
Like because I'm just like also just because I'm about to
have another baby.
Yeah.
Because you're like pregnant having another baby and like,
I'm like, no, I'm like, I'm kind of like doing really well.
And I'm sorry.
No, no, no, it's fine.
And it's good to see because in a lot of ways,
having a third kid and thinking about starting over
with a third kid and just like how my kids are starting
to play together, they're starting to get mobile,
like they can go outside and I can be doing a workout.
Like that's about to be shot.
I can carry them both at the same time.
Like all that's about to be shot.
Totally.
And that is making me kind of sick to my stomach.
Just like have a third one to take care of.
But I also can see like you have four,
like you have even another one and you're fine.
I'm so fine.
And you're doing great and you are on,
you have hobbies and you're thriving and like,
I will get there.
But right now, no, I'm just like sad.
Yeah.
No, you are just kind of like sad.
But just know like I'm here for you obviously.
And you know, it is like, it's, we just,
I feel like we have a kind of like flipped because you have
to remember like when I was pregnant with my third,
like you were thriving because you were getting married.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I know.
It's not a competition, Kelly.
I'm not saying it's a competition.
No, no, no, that's not what I'm saying.
I'm just like, you know,
why do we have to remember that?
I don't know.
Right.
Right.
Exactly.
Okay.
So like, can I talk or do you need more space?
You may talk.
I have a new micro hobby that's kind of like taking over.
Of course she does.
Every episode, you have a new mom.
You're a hobby.
Well, the March Magnus bracket didn't really do much for me.
Like I made the bracket and never checked in on it again.
Like I don't know.
I just, I don't like basketball.
I think basketball, no offense.
I think it's kind of a stupid, not a stupid sport.
I like playing it.
I like watching like a high school game.
Like I hope my boys play basketball.
Like I would like to go to a game.
But like watching the college, it's like, you only need to
watch the last 10 minutes.
Like it's such a long game for like, they're just scoring
all the time.
And there were so many games during March Magnus.
So I never really got into it.
So I'm not counting that as a micro hobby.
Unfortunately, this new micro hobby I'm about to announce
is also toy related.
I don't know.
I obviously have some inner child that like I'm working through.
For sure.
But I have landed on such an amazing side of TikTok.
And this is something that me and my daughter, Hattie,
are kind of like doing together.
And I am in deep on American Girl TikTok.
Okay.
I mean in deep.
Okay.
You know how we always talk.
This is like a fun fact about us.
You're going to die from this story.
You know how we always talk about like, you know,
growing up, like mom would always buy us the same things,
but like she would always buy us like worse, worse.
She'd always normally buy me like a worse version of the thing.
She bought you a worse version of the American Girl doll.
Do you remember what you had?
Our mom like literally bought Kelly an American Girl doll.
Just like the pinnacle, obviously.
And then she got me what's called a my twin doll at the time.
I think it was a my twin doll.
And anyway,
She just met you in American Girl doll.
It's like she made her life harder.
She could have hit order one time and then she had to order it twice.
So my twin doll,
I think it was like customized took a little bit more like you.
I guess I don't know why she got it,
but here's the thing with a my twin doll.
It wasn't the same size of American Girl doll.
So her mom took us,
our parents surprised us on a vacation to Chicago
and we went to the American Girl store and they,
we had like a tea party.
Anyway, my stupid,
my twin doll was too big for the seat.
So it's like she literally couldn't fit in the,
because they,
you sit at the table and then they have like a little high chair
for your American Girl doll.
Yeah, no,
freaking my girls didn't fit.
It was like so embarrassing.
And then like literally all of her eyelashes fell out.
Like she was like,
so my twin is 23 inches and an American Girl doll is 18.
Like why she just got to the my twin over the American Girl doll.
Like I'll never know.
I actually think I need to like call her and find out why she did that.
Like what was that about?
Maybe it was because you couldn't get, I don't know,
but like I had a darling American Girl doll.
Also like a my twin dolls,
like kind of mortifying looking.
If you look them up, they're like,
horrible.
You know, they're like really, really scary.
There was no excuse for her not to get you an American Girl doll.
I'm calling her right now.
I have to get to the bottom of this.
It was so weird.
I hope she answered.
Maybe she just like couldn't find an American Girl doll that looked like you.
Kelly and I are recording a podcast and I just like have a quick gripe.
I have to pick with you and I need you to defend yourself.
Oh my gosh.
Okay.
When Kelly and I were children and you got her an American Girl doll,
why did you get me a my twin doll?
Because I get them at the same time.
I imagine we got them around the same time.
Maybe like you got hers for her birthday in August and me for my birthday in December.
Maybe because they were younger and I thought you wouldn't notice.
They were a lot of money.
Maybe they were cheaper.
So I figured it was like the same thing and I could buy all the stuff at Target.
And the way that and you know, like it wasn't the same thing as all because they were like way creepier.
And then like she didn't fit in the seat at the American Girl doll store.
And then all of her eyelashes fell out.
She was very pretty.
Mom, mom, I need you to Google what a my twin doll looks like.
They're so scary.
They are not.
She was cute.
She was so cute.
I don't have a lot of trauma in my life, but the my twin doll is one of them.
You know, you're trying to save a book and then you traumatize your child.
Well, and that's a good lesson to learn next time everyone's trying to be a little bit more frugal.
You might traumatize your kids.
Okay, I just needed my attention.
Okay. All right. Love you.
Bye.
Bye.
So not a great answer.
Not a great answer.
Anyway, back to my micro hobby.
So I'm obsessed.
Like now there's adult American Girl doll collectors.
And people have like a lot of grabs with American Girl because they feel like, you know, they just come out with like a they just like
remodernized all their historical dolls.
And like now like they're not making historical dolls anymore.
Now they're just like making like, you know, American Girl doll talk.
We're kind of all saying like they're kind of fumbling the ball.
Okay.
And like we were not historical.
I mean, I don't can't speak for you because you didn't have an American Girl doll.
No, I never had a historical doll.
I just probably had like a truly me version or like make your own version.
Like I just had a cute brown headed one.
We were never like we couldn't afford more than one.
But I never had like, I didn't have a Samantha.
I didn't have a kit.
Like I didn't have a historical one.
But like I am really into the historical ones now as an adult.
And like there, there's, here's a crazy thing.
There's an American Girl named Elizabeth who's like a historical one.
Like why would she get you that one?
Well, I think she just told us she was trying to save a buck.
Well, like maybe don't take us to Chicago for a trip and buy you an American Girl.
Yeah, Kelly, she's literally like a like a blonde with blue eyes.
Like literally what I looked like as a child.
No, the Elizabeth doll.
I know, Liz, maybe you should buy one.
Maybe you'll heal your inner trauma.
So anyway,
An Elizabeth doll is $500 on Etsy used.
Well, Elizabeth, you're not listening.
I'm sorry.
So anyway, now I'm obsessed with the historical dolls.
And I've been kind of brainwashing Hattie.
And I'm going to be like, you know, maybe like I'll take you to the
American Girl doll store one day and like you can get a historical doll.
Cause like I know if I bring my daughter Harriet in there,
she will pick the ugliest doll.
She will be like, I don't want the purple hair.
And I'm like, no, like I'm not, I don't want this.
I want a store.
I want her to get into the historical dolls because I was never into them.
So yeah, sorry.
Like this is kind of her thing.
So now, you know, now that I have an eBay account,
kind of like the world's my oyster.
And I have just been searching eBay because I want one in box or one like
in an unplayed condition.
And they don't make them anymore, I guess.
Well, no, they do.
So make the, some of the historical dolls, but they're like a little different.
I don't know.
I haven't really gotten into that all, but I always wanted, funny enough,
I always wanted Kit.
And I also always liked Addie.
Okay.
So yeah, like we're looking at.
Oh my God, look what mom just did.
Her mom just gives an image of my twin doll.
She goes, OMG, I'm so sorry.
You're right.
How can I make it up to you?
No, by Sloan, an American girl doll in a few years.
The Elizabeth doll.
Tell her you want the Elizabeth one.
She's beautiful.
I want, I want a mint condition, Elizabeth doll.
They're $500 on Etsy.
If you would have wanted the first time, we wouldn't be in this position.
So anyway, I'm just like, I love American girl dolls.
Like, and now I'm learning that there's like 11 different face molds.
And like, you know, there's like rare wines and there's like, I'm, I'm in deep on it.
And I'm not going to like go in deep as I did on the Fisher price,
but I just do find it very interesting.
Like American girls are beautiful.
They're, no, they, they are really pretty.
Yeah.
And you know, like, I know like Target and Walmart like have their versions now.
And I do think those versions are good too.
See here's an Elizabeth 2005 and original box for $139.
Like it's, but our hair is a little frizzy.
That's funny.
It feels good.
I feel vindicated the right word.
Oh yeah.
So here's Elizabeth doll mint condition in her meat outfit.
160 bucks.
They'd be all by a first loan.
No, Chris.
Chris Ozer.
So something, something fun that I did for this American girl all related.
When I got married, my flower girls, I gave them both an American girl doll
and I ordered a like bride dress off Amazon.
Um, and the one I gave Hattie was just like an old one that mom had
because Sydney, Sydney and Grayson got American girl dolls.
They had the American girl doll house.
The mom and dad had a bit more money with Sydney and Grayson came around.
They had the wheelchair.
They had the cast.
They had the bed.
They had a wardrobe.
They had literally had a wardrobe.
Um, it's fine.
Um, anyway, mom had, mom kept some of Sydney and Grayson's American girl doll.
So I gave Hattie one and then I just ordered the little bride dress off Amazon
and then my other flower girl, I think I found it on like marketplace or something.
Um, and gave her one as well.
Kind of a cute idea.
Yeah.
It was a good idea.
So funny.
So funny.
Okay.
So anyway, so that's like what I've been, that's what has been consuming my evenings.
It's like, I'm just obsessed with American girl dolls right now.
And then, you know, all the historical ones come with a book and it's a place in time
and I'm just going to do it.
Okay.
Aside from that, I have also, we've, so we've had like Easter slash spring break this week
and I have developed a new system in my home that is kind of like taking my home by storm.
Love it.
And it's called reps.
So my kids, if they want to, um, if they want to buy, she pulled out an inflation calculator.
All right.
Sorry.
This is, this is a personal thing.
We don't need to get into this.
Okay.
Reps.
Okay.
So reps is before my kids even like could dare even ask me to watch the television dare
even like bring that conversation to me.
They have to do their reps.
And their reps is like, it was a collab that me and chat to be taking out because I was
like, there are things I want my kids to do every single day.
And I'm starting this now with the expectation to take this into summer because this summer
my kids are just going to be home.
So like we're going to need to have like a good system in place and reps you have to
do four things broken into 20 minute sections.
I got them each a timer that they can like do themselves and the R stands for read.
Now, can my kids read?
No.
George can kind of read.
How do you can't read at all?
But I want my kids to like, I like the idea of like kids like looking at a book, like
on their own, just like having quiet time, reading together, not reading together.
Like, and I'm, I like me and Hattie to like kind of find an interest like George, like
George has like really clear interests.
And I feel like Hattie doesn't have that yet.
So I'm hoping that books kind of do that for us.
So they have to read for 20 minutes.
Then we have E, which stands for education.
And they either have to do a puzzle, practice their writing or their worksheets, 20 minutes.
Then we have P, which means play.
And that means they have to play for 20 minutes.
Now, I'm hoping that like play outside.
Sorry.
I'm hoping that like, you know, they get outside, they start playing for 20 minutes.
That turns into 45 minutes.
Like I'm kind of hoping that's kind of the vibe.
And then the S stands for service where they have to do chores or they can babysit for
20 minutes.
Once they've completed their reps, they're allowed to watch a little TV.
So like they get up in the morning like, can I watch TV?
I'm like, not until your reps are done.
And they hate it.
Yeah.
But they will not eventually.
No, they might always, they might always kind of hate it.
They might always hate it, but they'll always, they'll expect it.
I said, you have to do your reps.
Which one do you want to start with?
You don't have to do them in order.
And we're just like, I'm going to play.
And I'm like, perfect.
And I was like, you know, Hattie's an angel.
She's like, mom, can I just go make your bed?
Yeah, sure can.
Sure can.
It's not going to take you 20 minutes.
So think of something else to do after that.
Yeah.
So then you will make yours too.
So that's what we're doing, reps.
Okay.
Nice.
Where did you learn this from?
Did you just come up with this?
Well, so last summer we did, like before they could watch TV, they had, they had to
clean for 20 minutes.
Like whenever they had to watch TV, I said, you have to clean for 20 minutes.
And now I'm just kind of expanding it.
Cause like, you know, I need to burn more of my day.
Sure.
Totally.
Today's episode is brought to you by But Your Box.
Spring is a good time to simplify because your schedule is about to get chaotic between
work, school ending, sports picking up, camp starting, just trying to have your life together.
Dinner can't be another stressor.
But Your Box delivers premium staples straight to your door so your meals feel intentional,
nourishing and consistent, even when everything else feels all over the place.
But Your Box delivers over a hundred premium protein options straight to your door, including
It's all responsibly raised and thoughtfully sourced, so you're not guessing about what's
on your plate.
For over a decade, But Your Box has led the industry with meat and seafood that's antibiotic
free, hormone free, and independently verified.
Because when it comes to fueling your body, quality is an extra, it's everything.
Clean, whole protein means better support for strength metabolism and that steady all day
energy we're all chasing.
I personally love to have a lot of ground, frozen ground beef on hand because I just
think it's a really versatile meat.
Also, just like love a steak, because who doesn't love a steak?
And of course chicken, you can do anything with chicken.
So those are the main proteins that I keep in my deep freeze and it has just been such
a game changer because I know that if I didn't get a chance to go to the grocery store, I
at least have my meat and I can figure everything else around that.
So as an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between chicken breast or
topsoiline for a year or ground beef for life, plus $20 off when you go to butcherbox.com
slash carpool.
That's right.
Your choice of chicken breast or topsoiline for a year or ground beef for life, plus
$20 off your first box and free shipping always.
That's butcherbox.com slash carpool.
Don't forget to use our links so they know we sent you today's episode is brought to
you by newly I'm at the phase of my life where I am just constantly ebbing and flowing
between clothing sizes because I'm getting pregnant.
I'm getting postpartum.
I'm getting pregnant again and I just cannot buy a whole new wardrobe during the different
seasons of my life during the different sizes of my life.
So that's why I've really loved newly because newly allows me to get that new clothes feeling
without the new clothes price.
New newly is a subscription clothing rental service that lets you pick six styles every
month for just $98.
You get your choice of any six styles rent for whatever you have going on.
So like dresses if you have a wedding or just everyday life and you get access to thousands
of styles from hundreds of brands like Reformation, Mother Hill House and more newly also has
inclusive sizing with options for plus petite tall and maternity plus fast free shipping
and returns plus professional dry cleaning and laundry and the option to buy what you
love at a really great discount.
I have bought things from newly that still had their tag on them for like an insane discount.
The great thing about newly is it helps you have fun and get creative and explore your
style without making any commitments.
Free your closet to impulse purchases and skip the nothing to wear spiral by renting
instead.
There are no late fees or damage fees or fees to pause or cancel.
So no big deal.
If you lose a button, spill something or just need to take a break.
It also has tons of maternity options.
Newly can help you get from the just popped to postpartum in style.
Newly is a great value at $98 a month for any six styles.
But right now you can get $28 off your first month when you sign up with code carpool.
Just go to n-u-u-l-y.com and enter code carpool at sign up and get $20 to $8 off your first
month.
That's n-u-u-l-y.com.
Newly with to use and insert code carpool for $28 off your first month.
Newly subscription clothing rental.
Change your clothes.
So that's that.
And then what else is new?
Oh, my husband became Catholic.
Oh, yeah.
Kind of huge for the church, which was really exciting.
I still think we need to do like a full on Catholic episode, like, you know, our journey
where we've been, where we're going.
But it was a beautiful Easter vigil and I'm very proud of him.
He was glowing on Easter morning.
He was glowing on Easter morning.
We had a glow to him.
No, I think he's very excited about it.
Like the TLDR is like, you know, we, Liz and I were raised Catholic.
Teller and I got married Catholic.
We kind of like beat bopped around like trying to figure out like what we want to do.
And we ended up right back where we started, which is in the Catholic church and an amazing
church.
And we've both just like really grown very passionate about the Catholic faith.
And I never like pushed it on him because I just don't think like, you don't want like
someone to do something because they were made to like, that's just not the vibe.
And he was very, I was going to make us all go to church as a family because like we both
like that, that's always been important to us.
But I was never going to like make him do it, but he did all this on his own.
He's like, I'm going to convert this year.
I know you can't, you can't force it on, on someone because Maddie's like really, I'm
very proud of Maddie too, because he's like learning so much and becoming so educated
on like the Catholic faith and everything in ways that like I have never even been like,
he just loves history.
And there's so much history.
There's so much history.
I mean, there's like, it's like, we have, we have, you know, Eucharistic miracles.
We have saints.
We have relics.
Like we have like, you know, we're like so old like about as old as like, you know, 2026.
Like we're so old.
Yeah.
I know.
And it's just funny because I just like, I'm so, I'm so proud to see and how he's like
now really leading like our family in the faith and everything.
And it's just so funny because when I was dating him, the people at the other church
that I was attending at the time were like, I don't think, literally told me while he
was deployed, like, I don't think you should marry this man because he's not, he's not
religious enough, or he's not going to lead you enough in your faith.
And he's all this.
And I'm like, who the heck are you to say this about the man that I'm dating?
He's freaking, first of all, serving our country.
Screw it.
Like, forget you.
And I just believed in him.
And like, yeah, I hoped that he would be like, would get more interested in his faith and
everything.
And it's just funny because if you give them like the time, you don't try and push it
on them.
Like they might.
And you just believe in the man that you married and literally people try to talk me out of
him.
Well, my biggest like marriage advice, you know, now I'm, I don't know how many years
in my nine.
Not sure.
Eight.
It doesn't matter.
Nine.
Nine.
Nine.
So then I've really learned, especially over the last two years is like, you can't mother
your husband.
No, yeah.
And like, I know, like, let me be like, sometimes I want to call his mom and be like, can you
start mothering him again?
He needs some help.
But at the end of the day, like that's just not my job.
Like, I don't know.
Like, I can't like, you know, I just, I can't mother him.
I can mother my children, but I like, I can't mother him.
It's not my job.
And it makes men mad.
Truthfully.
Yeah.
So just kind of like on their own accord.
But yeah, like just really into it.
I think it's, it's kind of like on the rise too.
And I'm not, I'm never going to like push you.
I'm not saying you have to be Catholic.
I'm not going to push the faith on you.
But I do think just like it's interesting to learn about any face.
Like it's an, it's an interesting religion.
That's all I'll say.
And there's a lot of like, I think misconceptions around it.
That like, I do maybe do want to do a dedicated episode too, to just like be like,
no, it's like not like we don't like, we don't like worship Mary.
Like, let's just get that out of the way right now.
Like we don't do that.
It's just very interesting.
So now I'm very proud of my husband and then we had Easter.
Oh, and I had the auto show.
Holy guacamole.
We have so much to catch up on.
I know Kelly.
I know.
Let's talk about the auto show.
Let's talk about the Alice reveal.
Okay.
So I invited to the Alice reveal.
And I would say overall, like it's really, I want everyone to be clear.
Like I love the Alice as is.
Like I really do think, I'm sorry, there's not a better bench in the midsize market.
Like, and I will take that.
Like I would, I will fight anyone against that.
Like it is one of the most car seat friendly.
If not the most car seat friendly midsize SUV you can get.
Like it just is.
Like if I had to, I mean, it's just, it's, it's everything.
I was expecting a little bit more of a redesign.
I feel like they just didn't do that much to it quite honestly.
And I think the exterior is fine.
Like take it or leave it.
Like I'm whatever about it.
Interior wise, I feel like they didn't really change much.
I mean, they didn't really make it any more car seat friendly.
Like they didn't give me the lower anchors.
They didn't give me the ceiling vents.
They did give us side pillar vents, which was interesting.
But then I also, it's so funny, me and Sam were in New York and we were,
we called it Uber and the Uber we got was an Audi Q7.
And which, you know, Volkswagen owns Audi.
And we get in the Q7 and Sam's like, it has side pillar vents.
And I'm like, it has side pillar vents.
Like the Q7 has always had it.
So like, like why did they take so long to put it in the Atlas?
You know, like that's kind of interesting.
So I guess my overall message is like, do I think it's worth?
Like if you are like, I want an Atlas.
Okay.
I would go get a good deal on a 26, honestly.
Like I don't think to me it's not worth waiting around for.
But I still like it.
Like I'm not, it's still, I'm not changing.
Like I don't change my opinions on it.
They didn't, I feel like when they did the, the refresh in 24,
like I really liked it.
I feel like they made a good thing better.
I feel like this time they just, it's same car, different font.
Truthfully.
Like nothing's different really, in my opinion.
In a way that you guys are going to notice.
And you know, in some ways, in some ways that's good.
It's always fine.
I'm fine with that.
Yeah.
They didn't make it worse.
And so then it kind of like, there was a lot of reveals at the New York auto show.
And it's so funny because I ran into the Chicago auto show crowd at New York.
Cause I guess like they like come to like checking with the manufacturers.
But like, Oh, what do you think of the Chicago auto show?
And the Chicago auto show was like a little salty, I think,
cause they got no reveals, like not a single reveal at the Chicago auto show.
In New York, like I was running to press conference,
to press conference, to press conference.
And it's like, if someone just could have like done Chicago,
like they would have been the name on everyone's lips.
There are so many releases that like I'm trying, that I'm going to try to get to.
You're not even going to make them all.
And there would have been like one at Chicago.
Like there could have been one, like everyone would have been gooped and gagged.
So I think that that was a mess.
And like, you know, also if any manufacturer wants to reveal the car on auto show,
like you will literally be the bell of the ball.
Well, you know, in a lot of ways, like the Britax car seat reveal
at the Chicago auto show was like the bell of the ball.
Cause it was the only like big reveal and like everyone was posting about it.
That's what I'm saying. You're right.
But like, like the most shocking reveal.
There was a couple was definitely the Hyundai Boulder.
Yeah.
You know, I have always loved Hyundai.
I do think it's a good car.
I'm not like rightfully so.
I'm still like a little just like shook up about the whole palisade of it all.
Like, you know, and I'm just going to be.
It's hard to celebrate Hyundai right now.
It's hard to celebrate Hyundai right now.
And you know, like I kind of sympathize with the brand a little bit because like,
I'm sure like, I mean, obviously they didn't want that to happen.
And like now like it's just hard to like.
It's hard for me at least.
But.
Yeah, it is hard.
I didn't love the new palisade before all this happened.
Like you can go watch my tour.
I was disappointed in the redesign when it happened.
I felt like they took away the beauty of the car.
They took away like the luxury and they just tried to make it too futuristic,
too minimalist, too.
I just didn't like it.
And you know, looking back, I've kind of felt that way about the Santa Fe too.
The Santa Fe when they redid it, like now I'm more into it than I was,
but I'm still not gooped over it.
Like I don't.
I still don't think I'd ever buy one.
Like it's still a little too boxy for me.
It's still a little too flexi.
And I think like Kia is actually doing better interiors and designs.
And I used to think the opposite.
I used to think Hyundai had the better designs.
Now I think Kia has the better designs because Kia released the new Celtos.
Stunning.
The new Telluride stunt.
Like I love the new Telluride.
So Hyundai released the Boulder, which is like the Bronco competitor.
So like this off-roading SUV segment, like there is buyers for it.
We've got the Defender.
We've got the Wrangler.
We've got the Land Cruiser.
We've got the Bronco.
You know Nissan's bringing back the XTERRA.
Like Honda has the passport.
Like I'm excited about this segment.
I do.
I like the cars.
They're good looking.
They're fun.
They're not like the most traditional family cars, but they're fun.
They released that.
And I'm like, it's like they copied the homework of the Bronco.
And when all those cars I just mentioned, again, they're all in the same segment,
but they all are very distinct of each other in my opinion.
Like they all look very different.
Yeah.
And this just, I didn't see, you guys commented this.
I don't see Hyundai in it.
Yeah.
And like if you look at the Santa Fe, like the Santa Fe is like this boxy, rugged-ish car.
Like where's the Santa Fe DNA in the Honda?
Hyundai, sorry.
So we'll see.
We'll see.
I mean, I'm not writing it off.
Yeah.
But that is just a concept.
I'm hoping for like a little bit more of a redefined.
I just don't know who would, I always just think about like who would buy it?
Like would you really ever buy that over a Bronco?
Because the Broncos are amazing.
And then it's just like you always have to wonder where is General Motors in this segment?
They don't have, the closest thing they have to a competitor in this space is like a Tahoe Z71.
Like where is the GM off roadie?
Where is it?
I don't know.
Where is it?
I don't know.
So that was a big reveal.
And then we saw the new Chrysler Pacifica.
Again, didn't change anything really.
But I kind of like have like a new soapbox with the Pacifica.
Like I'm actually going to make a video today about like underrated family cars.
And like I do think the Pacifica sometimes doesn't get enough love.
And let me be clear, like she has her issues as just literally every family car out there.
Like I can find the bad thing to say about every car just because like no one's perfect.
But like, you know, the headrests in the third row are abhorrent.
Like they do suck.
But there are now more car seats than ever that do work with those headrests.
So like if you get the right car seats, like it is an affordable van that has stolen go.
That comes in all wheel drive.
So like I do think we need to give her roses.
The biggest thing was like they changed the logo.
So like Chrysler has a brand new logo.
And at the press conference, I guess Chrysler got a new CEO question mark.
I don't really know his official title, but like he had good energy.
Like the Chrysler reveal of the Pacifica was really fun.
They had kids there, like getting it out of the minivan and like kids telling us what they liked about it.
And it was just, it felt very family.
Love that.
And I really actually liked the reveal a lot.
Okay.
And then we had to hightail over to Subaru, which I haven't even talked about this yet.
I have a video filmed.
We're just like so behind on YouTube videos.
And Subaru debuted a new 30 SUV.
I know you're like, what?
I didn't even know.
I know.
I wasn't expecting this.
They didn't invite me to the reveal, which I was sassy to Subaru about that.
And it's called the Subaru getaway, which is a horrible name.
Yeah, bad, bad name.
It doesn't go with the rest of their names, Forrester, Outback, Ascent, like getaway.
Like it's not a good, I know what they're trying to do, but it's not, it's not, it's not a vehicle name.
You could have used that in other marketing.
It's not a vehicle name.
Yeah.
It's like a sweepstakes.
It's like a sweepstakes.
The Subaru getaway.
You and her family of four.
Yeah, I don't like it.
Um, and this was a soft collab with Toyota.
So basically that means like Toyota like helps Subaru build it, but Toyota's like, keep my name out of your mouth.
Like that's kind of what I'm gathering from this because it's the Highlander badged as a Subaru.
That's electric.
I was kind of into it actually.
I kind of actually really liked it.
Okay.
Yeah.
So we'll see.
I haven't seen it.
Tours coming and then Ford debuted their 30th edition expedition and kind of like my biggest decision-making process right now is I have decided to order a new expedition.
I am going to wait for the 27 ordering to open and I'm going to order one.
I don't think you should get the blue color.
And do I get the 30th edition blue or do I get the white?
I think you get the white.
I don't think it's the best blue I've seen.
It's not the best blue and I'm telling you it's expensive.
So like that blue is like it's, it's low nineties.
I mean, which again, like that's just kind of what they cost, but I would like to be like closer to like the eighties.
And you're paying for like things I don't want because like you can't just get that color, that color.
You can only get the 30th edition.
Then you're getting the 30th edition embossed in the-
It's like on the center console, on the wheels.
It's like calm down.
Like it's not a collector car.
Like give it to me in a hot wheel.
Sure.
But like I don't want a whole car that says that.
I wouldn't get that one.
I do think I'm going to get the white.
I'm waiting to see, I'm talking, I'm waiting to see if I can get a white stealth edition with the bench because allegedly I couldn't.
So we'll see.
Well, I'm very excited.
I'm very excited.
And I want you guys to just support me because I do think I'm going to go with the white stealth, which I know like it looks a little cop car.
Sorry.
But I want, I'm trying to go like very sporty.
Like the last several years, I mean my 23 expedition max is like the black max red leather or like brownish red leather platinum.
Like it's just been this like very like bodysque car, which I really loved.
But I want to whip it.
I want to feel like I'm whipping it.
I don't think it's giving cop car.
I don't think expedition gives me cop car.
Thank you.
People have kind of been saying like it's giving stormtrooper and I'm like, but in a good way.
I know, I understand.
I understand that.
But what do you want me to do with that black tailgate?
You know, I think you're choosing the best with this, with the cars you've been dealt like with the black tailgate.
Yeah, I like it.
So anyway, that's kind of sums up the New York auto show.
And though, and then we were like, obviously we're into the Seasters.
Sydney and Grayson were there.
It was so fun because like Sydney was working the auto show and I was at the auto show.
And it's just like we're in a different state, like different city.
And like God has put us both here regardless.
Like it was just kind of fun.
And I'm very proud of Sydney.
I'm very proud of Grayson.
Like I just they were so it was like my little sisters were so grown up.
But I did go to their apartment and their apartment's a darling.
And like I never lived like this.
So like to me, it just feels like a different world.
But like I just went from living with mom and dad to living with my husband.
Like that's just kind of like what I did.
It looks as though like a seven year old decorated their apartments.
Like they just have like the kitschiest like little things.
Like I kind of love it because like the stuff is so cute.
Like I just like it's not it's not a place for like, you know, my home.
Like for example, when you get in, they have two little key racks.
And when you put your key on the rack, then a little cat pops up.
That's so Sydney and Grayson though.
So like they have a TV and on their TV, they had this little like froggy guy
that like hangs off the TV.
They have this print of like these two like comic book girls
like toasting champagne to each other.
Like it's just so like it's their only time in their life to really
really truly live like that.
Yeah.
Well, it's just like I love the Facebook Marketplace game in New York
because people just like are always getting ready stuff.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Because people are.
Yeah.
They have small apartments.
Yeah.
I'm so, so jealous.
That was what I was most jealous about.
Yeah.
It was really fun to see them show that much.
So,
I am a physical calendar kind of person I don't always like looking on my phone.
I feel like, but I save all my appointments on my phone.
So the skylight combines the physical calendar that I can see it lives on my
counter.
You could put it on your wall, but it's synced up to my phone.
So it has all of those appointments, all of those schedules, all of those
meetings that I have in my phone.
You can also add chores, grocery lists, reminders, so there's no more, I didn't know I had to
do that.
Everything is right there.
You can update everything on the go with the app.
It just keeps, and it just keeps your household running smoother without having to mentally
track everything.
And if you don't love it, they have a 120 day return policy.
No questions asked.
Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch calendars by going
to myskylight.com slash carpool.
Go to myskylight.com slash carpool for $30 off your 15 inch calendar.
That's M-Y-S-K-Y-L-I-G-H-T dot com slash carpool.
So yeah, that's kind of like what I've been up to.
And then what do we have coming up this week?
Oh, just a $10 birthday, just kind of like regular day clear.
Yeah, I'm supposed to be going to my bachelor party still, but I'm just like, I was like,
okay, I think I'm out of the, I think Sloan's going to be okay without me still holding
on.
Like I'm keeping in close honor, but I think she's fine.
And now I got this stye, and I'm like, I, I've been in pain this entire time.
It hurts to blink.
So I'm hopefully going to a bachelor party this weekend because like actually after the
past couple of weeks I've had like a girls trip could benefit me more than anyone could
possibly know.
Yeah.
I think you'll be fine.
You have several days.
You've, I think you'll be a different girl.
You know, I hope always feels like something new is going to happen.
Yeah.
I'm sorry.
It's fine.
But yeah, that's kind of what, that's kind of what we got.
Well, aside from that, I mean, that was kind of like industry news.
I think that maybe we could just get into, oh, do is everyone want to update on my sugar
fast?
Yeah.
Okay.
So if you're on my broadcast channel, like you already know this, but I have, I did my
sugar fast 48 days.
I did have two scoops of ice cream on two separate days in New York because I love this
pistachio ice cream.
Like you guys know, I love pistachio flavored stuff.
And I'm not even an ice cream person and like this ice cream is unbelievable.
Like unbelievable.
So I had two scoops of ice cream.
It's all I had besides that, like I really stuck to my no sugar and the past several
weeks since I've had my hives, I've also started like a new, even more restrictive diet where
I've cut out a lot of carbs and a lot of dairy.
So I'm still having some dairy, but I'm having very, very low carb and like my skin has honestly
never looked better.
Like it's kind of been insane.
It's like honestly insane.
Yeah.
And I'm now on a, now I am, let's see, three weeks into a 12 week program that is very
restrictive.
That is very restrictive and I'm doing it to like keep my hives, my skin, my gut.
I got some blood work done.
It doesn't matter.
It's my, it's my health stuff.
I am.
It's not like a weight loss thing.
It's like a, you're trying to fix your bot, like your.
It's not a weight loss thing.
I'm having some issues, some histamine issues.
So that's kind of why I'm set out to do this.
So I am on week three and I'm feeling really good.
I overall like have some thoughts I want to share on my sugar fast and like I, I like
literally practiced this speech that I'm about to give like in my car multiple times.
And at the end of the day, like there's just not a way that I can speak my truth in a way
that is going to be as maybe politically correct as some of you would like.
So like if you are triggered by like food talk like this, like just, I can't water
down what I want to say and get my message across.
So like just skip over a couple of minutes, but it's really changed my life.
Like I have never done a diet like this before and Elizabeth can attest to this.
Like I'm actually not the most like disciplined person in the world.
Like I'm always the like, I've been very blessed with like, I've always been naturally
thin my whole life.
So I've like never really just like had to give much thought to like being on a quote
unquote diet.
And again, I didn't do the sugar fast for weight alone.
And I did it for faith, for health and just mainly for faith.
I have tried though in the past, like, you know, doing like quote unquote, like moderation,
like, you know, tracking calories or like cutting out this a little bit and like only
having like one cheat meal.
And I actually find that to be so incredibly difficult.
Like for me, moderation does not work.
Like I don't want to eat things.
I don't want to do an 80 20.
I don't want to do that because like that I just hyper fix it on the 20 percent.
Like, and I just like weight or I like, I'm just like so obsessed with like, you know,
not eating a lot so that I can like have the treats that I want.
And like, I don't think that that's just not sustainable.
I don't think it helped.
Like I don't think it gave me a very, I won't even say healthy.
It didn't give me a fun relationship with food.
Like it was just like annoying to me.
So when I did the sugar fast, like I was really kind of hoping to just because everyone talks
about how like, then the craving stopped, then the craving stopped.
And I'm over here being like, I could never give up sugar.
Like I could never do it.
But the more I like kind of research it, the more people would be like, no,
then you don't want it.
I was like, there's no way.
Like there's just, that's not going to happen to me.
But sure enough, like two to three weeks in, like I really stopped craving it.
And like, of course, like it still sounds good because like let me be clear, like sugar's good.
Like it's not like I ever got to a point where I was repulsed by it, except for the ketchup.
I never got repulsed, but I stopped thinking about it and I stopped feeling like I needed
that sweet treat at the end of a meal.
And that really felt like I like took some more control over just like what I was putting into
my body.
And then when I, and I started to feel really good, like I feel really good.
I feel like I have more energy and I feel like I'm more excited about the foods I'm eating.
Like now I'm so excited about like eggs and like chicken and zucchini.
And I like, these are foods that before I would have felt like such a chore to eat.
And now they don't feel that way anymore.
And like I have lost a lot of inflammation and weight.
So like over the time of my sugar fast, which you know, like I'm not where I was,
I'm not the weight I was before I had kids.
I don't think I'll ever get back to that.
Like that's not really what I'm going after.
But I did believe or not lose nine pounds just in those last 46 days by cutting out the sugar.
And then I cut out the carbs the last three weeks.
And I couldn't believe how easy it was to go from, like I'm kind of happy.
Like I stair stepped into this new diet because I think it would have been really hard
to cut out sugar and carbs at the same time.
I cut out the sugar for three weeks and then cutting out the carbs three weeks later.
Didn't really feel like that big of a deal.
And now, you know, I'm just like, I wasn't, I didn't wake up on Easter being like,
finally I can have sugar.
Like I didn't really have anything.
I had like three Cadbury eggs because I liked like just like the little ones
because I liked them and they were on a charcuterie board.
So like I had those, but I didn't have a donut.
I didn't have this French toast casserole.
I just like didn't really want it.
And I didn't want to kind of like unravel the progress I had been having on for just one day.
So I don't think I'll eat like this forever.
Like I do think I will introduce more sugar and carbs back into my diet eventually,
but I'm going to see this 12 week program through.
But if you just would have told me like, like if you're like, I could never do that,
it's like, I know, because like your body like is addicted to sugar and it needs to detox.
Like I know you couldn't.
Like cause I promise you like I said that.
Like Elizabeth is way more disciplined than me.
You always have been in that and like diet and stuff and like just working out.
Like I'm just not that person, which is why I just think for me, moderation does not work.
I have to like you need like, you need like hard and fast.
I need to be like, I don't need it because like if I have a little bit,
then I want a lot more.
And then like, then I feel like I'm punishing myself and I don't like that feeling.
So I learned, like I said, so much about myself.
I feel amazing.
My skin looks amazing.
My inflammation is gone.
My energy is good.
I'm sleeping great.
Like I have.
Yeah.
It's like you get all these benefits.
Then you're like, well, really it's, it's not worth it for me.
Yeah.
It's not worth it for me.
Yeah.
So I don't know what it'll look like in the future.
But if you want to keep following along with like now my like three week journey,
my 12 week journey, I am posting about it in my broadcast channel.
And I'm working with this great girl who's like a got health coach.
And it's called loom healing on Instagram.
And like it is, she does a really good job of like not just teaching you,
like it's not just a pro, like she's teaching you why,
like the why behind it a little bit more.
Yeah.
I love that.
Yeah.
It's been, and you know, the reason that she got into all of this,
and I've never had this problem,
but she said that she had really bad mom rage postpartum
and that like doing this diet like fixed her mom rage.
Oh gosh.
Yeah.
I don't, I never, I never feel like I had mom rage.
I mean, I get overwhelmed.
Sure.
But like again, I have a ton of other issues.
That wasn't one of them, but it's just interesting how like the same kind of diet
is just because it answers a lot of things.
Yeah.
It just takes a lot of things.
So again, I know people don't like food talk.
I'm sorry.
I'm feeling really, really good though.
And I'm very happy.
And like my hives are gone.
I was like at my peak with my hives and my allergies things.
I was taking medically approved.
I was taking four Zyrtec and two Pepsida Day.
Now I'm down to one Zyrtec and one Pepsida Day.
What's crazy is the week or the week before the auto, the New York auto show,
you said, Hey, if my, if I have another hives breakout, I'm,
we're not going to the New York auto show.
And then here you are a week after the auto show.
So now three weeks since you've done this diet and like,
not only does it, not only do you not have hives,
your skin looks better than I did before you had it.
I know.
It's like insane.
It's insane.
And I've also, I also did blood working and I got,
I'm on a new supplement regimen.
So I'm not saying it's all food related.
Like I was deficient in some vitamins that I know I've been taking.
But again, it's just like, it's giving CEO of your health.
But like, again, totally first things like cut out sugar and like,
you don't have, if you want to, if you're curious about this,
don't give yourself like, when will I eat it again?
Because that was overwhelming.
And mom kind of gave me this advice.
Like in the book I read the sugar fast book also kind of gave me this advice.
Like you just have to take it day by day.
Like today I'm not eating sugar.
Okay.
And you wake up tomorrow, today I'm not eating sugar.
But like I would give yourself, just give yourself two weeks.
And at the end of two weeks, if you want to go back to how you were,
go back to how you were.
But if you, maybe you won't, but I do think you need a solid two weeks.
And I think the first four days suck.
Yeah.
And then it gets easier and easier and easier.
And then two weeks in, you're like, oh yeah, like,
like then you can like, at least for me,
then I could like look at a dessert and not feel tempted.
And again, it's not that it doesn't sound good.
Like no, like still snacks.
And I will, I'm not going to deprive myself the rest of my life either.
I'm just like, I'm just on this journey
while I'm trying to get my issues under control and see how I feel.
I like it.
I'm proud of you.
Thanks.
Very proud of you.
Yeah, I kind of got derailed in my last few days of my 40 days of last,
but probably ended up getting rid of like 700 plus items.
So awesome.
And my greatest lesson is don't miss a single one.
Haven't reached for.
Interesting.
I mean, I don't know if I,
I don't know how many I ended up getting actually getting rid of
because I still had a few numbers to go,
but it was, it had to be in the 700s.
700 items that I don't notice that are not,
no, I actually do notice that they're gone for the better.
It's crazy how much stuff we have in our house.
And Maddie, so Maddie's sister is moving right now,
Anna's parents are moving right now.
So we're just kind of like surrounded by moving talk.
And I told Maddie, I said,
every five years we need to act like we're moving.
Like we need to go through our things.
No, that's, I love that.
You get rid of so much and you just like accumulate so much stuff.
Like I just, I've already kind of started cleaning out my playroom a little bit.
And I've already noticed like,
instead of having, you know, let's say 30 dinosaurs,
now I have 10 dinosaurs in the playroom.
And now James is reaching for his lion to fight the dinosaurs.
And it's like, that's good.
That's a new play.
Like he doesn't need, like,
they will still get the game that they want to play.
They'll just be creative in new ways.
And just having like less toys has been good so far,
but I still have more work to do on that.
And do you feel like bringing items into your home?
Like how does that feeling for you?
Like I've, you've been more thoughtful about that.
I've definitely been more thoughtful.
I'm also, you know, I'm not really buying clothes right now
because nothing really fits me.
I'm also just like trying to do things that we actually need.
Like our, like the, for Easter, it was very minimal,
those things we actually needed.
And yeah, I just, I haven't been, I really haven't been buying much,
but like I kind of like hate the feeling of getting a package
because I'm like, oh no, I have to find a spot to put this.
Yeah, no, I get that.
I get that.
I have a, I'm really relishing and like now that,
like when Fred outgrows clothes, we get to get rid of them.
I know, that's amazing.
And when he outgrows, like that's just really, really fun.
Yeah, that's nice.
That's so nice.
Um, okay guys, well, I think maybe that should be our episode.
Liz, what do you think?
Yeah, this sounds good.
And we should like so much to catch up on.
We will be back Friday with like more of like a regular like segment
desk podcast.
Kelly says regular because that's how Hattie says regular.
So don't just, this isn't a council, console, or a especially,
especially thing.
Like she knows how to say regular.
I know it's not regular, but Hattie goes,
um, can you just do my hair regular?
And I think regular is.
Regular is cuter than regular.
Regular.
Um, uh, ditch the drive.
I could like share.
Okay.
I know what I'm making tonight.
So I have been on, like this is not that groundbreaking, but like it has been
really groundbreaking for me.
I've really been on like a salad grind, like making my own salads.
Like I'm just like getting a bag of romaine, having amazing
primal kitchen dressings.
Like their new, uh, romesco ranch, I think is what it's called.
Unbelievable.
Cooking a protein steak or chicken, having a ripe avocado, having tomatoes,
having salt and pepper, salty and peppering.
Your lettuce is an underrated hack.
If you're not doing that, wake up.
And we've just been making salads every Sunday for the last several weeks.
So like I just cook a big protein.
So we're protein prepping for the week.
I cut up some lettuce.
I get out the toppings.
Everyone makes, my kids like salad.
Everyone makes their own salad.
Just like such a good Sunday meal.
And then, you know, I keep everything separate.
So then like I have prepped ingredients to do like salads for lunches,
or I just have prepped protein.
And that is all you need in life.
Prepped protein.
I am going to blow your mind here because I'm actually kind of making
something along those lines for dinner tonight.
And I'm going to do a salad base for me, but a potato base for Matty,
because he's not a big salad guy.
So I'm going to go like sort of like a, a taco, a taco salad vibe.
But Kelly, here's where things get interesting.
My protein, chicken thighs.
Chicken thighs with taco seasoning on it, base of romaine.
I'm going to do a bunch of like roasted veggies, some like sour cream
or Greek yogurt and like hot sauce.
But like, I've never had chicken thighs with like a, like a Mexican seasoning on it.
And it's like making my mouth water, just thinking about it.
No, I, so you either love or hate chicken thighs.
I love chicken thighs.
Tyler hates them.
So like, I don't really cook them a lot.
Like he won't eat them.
The kids, I don't think notice, but yeah, that sounds really good.
I can't believe Tyler, for how much Tyler will eat anything,
he won't eat a chicken thigh.
I mean, he might eat one, but like he like kind of gobble about it.
He doesn't prefer it.
Okay.
He doesn't prefer it.
I would love like a pack of chicken.
What?
Just going to say the same man who when we have shrimp appetizers, he eats the tails.
He eats everyone's tail.
No, it's literally, no, it is kind of gross.
But like we're, we love him for it and we're thankful for him, but we'll like get an appetizer
at dinner.
Human garbage disposal.
And we'll all get like our own shrimp, you know, a shrimp limone or something.
And he's like, I have your tails.
This is an embarrassing story about my husband.
I agree.
You know what else he does that really grinds my gears lately around dinner time?
So like we don't eat as a family.
We kind of like eat in shifts because like that's just like where we're at right now.
Like I'm sorry.
Like we're not, come on, we're a family of six, six and under.
Like we're not all sitting down at the table.
Be still for real.
So we eat in shifts and like I love to doctor his plate.
That's what I call it.
I'm like, can I, because like I have, I have made dinner in a way where like I want to,
like I want you to experience it, how I want you to experience it.
And he always fights me on that unless it's like taco bowls or salmon bowls, then he lets
me doctor it.
But besides that, he's like, no, no, no, I just got it.
And he won't, he's like so obsessed with saving a dish that he will eat off the kids,
like tray divided plastic plates instead of getting a proper plate.
And like our father would never.
Like, and it's just like, it's such a different way that I grew up.
I'm like, like if dad, if mom had paper plates for us, dad was like, no, I need a real plate.
Like dad was so bougie about it.
And Tyler is like eating this amazing steak salad that like I did a bright.
I did the marinated onions.
I did the steak.
Like I got the blue cheese crumbles.
Like I did it up, right.
And he won't eat it off a plate.
He's eating off of a pink plastic tray divided plate.
It's so annoying.
Yeah.
That's like such a niche thing.
That's like, he does do the dishes though.
So he can't really force the guy.
And that's why I won't mother my husband, but I will complain about him on a podcast.
Because I do think that's fine.
No, that's fine.
Okay.
Well guys, I think that's like way more than enough to be said for the day.
So that's going to be our episode.
So thank you so much for listening to this rant and this crazy episode of the Carpool
podcast and we'll talk to you on Friday.
See ya.
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, tell everybody you know there's room in the car for everyone.
Request an explanation for:
8 cars
Scroll for more
8 cars featured
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark.
Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.
