I vote this too. I wouldn’t be offended at all if it were my college friend. If we are still friends after all these years, this is not an issue that would offend or worry me. But, you doing it would make me more comfortable than worrying I’d forget or do it wrong.

https://www.paaap.org/uploads/1/2/4/3/124369935/dollar_store_recipe_book.pdf was curious about the dollar store foods and found this.

I grew up on fast foods and probably live somewhere similar to you Sahara, although closer to groceries. But LOTS of fast food. I’m trying very hard to eat better and right now for me, that definition is less ultra processed food, so I can somewhat relate to her plight. Just somewhat. It’s hard! I commend her for trying to change at all because I do get the environment she’s in. And the fast food taste buds that come into play. So I kind of always think- pretty much ANYTHING I can make from real ingredients at home is going to be healthier for me than almost anything I buy at a fast food place or pre processed. So, that does mean last night for dinner I had oatmeal with chia seeds, a sliced apple and cut up cheddar cheese and some pistachios. For lunch today I had grilled chicken, a sliced red pepper, beans and a clementine. None of that took any cooking ability. But it’s hard when you’re used to processed food. I totally get the taste bud issue, especially for kids! And it can get expensive at times. Everyone has their go to appliance that makes life easier- for me that’s a panini grill for my chicken. I season chicken breast and grill up a bunch at one time and then I can add almost anything to it to make a decent meal- rice, fruit, bag salad, frozen veggies, etc.

One substitution at a time is good. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed with change. Veggies are great, but so are fruits and maybe more kid friendly. Real oatmeal and apples, a banana with peanut butter. I just try to eat whole food ingredients and not worry too much about creating a meal. Scrambled Eggs, with fried potatoes, grapes. Probably not- but is there an Aldi close by? We live in a smaller town but have one and I’m amazed how less expensive their food is. and batch cooking if possible.

I was thinking it would be darker too. we traveled a couple hours to my brother’s house to be in totality. No traffic there or back. We did see one star in the sky. The weather turned out much better than expected and was clear and sunny. It was a great experience. Totality was cool, but I do enjoy the process of the moon covering the sun too.

I heard them too- central Ohio. Luckily they were pretty far away, but what a strange thing to do during an eclipse.

We traveled a couple hours north to totality and no traffic so far. We’re going to a friend’s house about 15 minutes from here but not expecting any traffic from what we’ve seen. If it’s bad, we can just stay here. I’m excited!

We divide by room.

Booking dot com is legit site. I used them this year for a hotel stay. Lots of hotels charge for parking depending on their location.

I made it to 80 hours in March and 175 for the year. I was in CA for a week and the weather was perfection and then I lucked out with some nice weather here too. I can’t imagine doing much more than 80 a month, but we’ll see. I suppose in summer I’ll just sit outside more, we’ll eat outside at home too. Plus more pickleball. I have a great screened porch, but I’d like to do something with my back patio or actual yard to get myself out closer to nature. All in all it’s been a good three months and it’s pushed me to be outside more than usual. I’m not sure of the real benefit to me, but I’m going to keep going. Being outside does feel good in the moment.

I use the MZOO 3D mask. I like that my eyes can open with it on. But it can get kind of hot sometimes. We’ll see how it works this summer.

I need more info on these cooling toppers! I get so hot. That’s my next challenge to fix. I am also a recent eye mask convert. I have the ones where you have room to Open your eyes, but sometimes they make my face too hot. We’ve always used a sound machine. I’m looking for a summer fan, but DH hates when it blows on him so I need to figure that out. I’m a side sleeper with my dog snuggled in my knee bend. It’s hot, but comforting until he gets the shakes.

Once you’re there it’s not as confusing as you think. Download the app before you go and enter all your credit card info so you’ll be ready. After you get your bags, look for the ride share pickup signs at the terminal exit. When you get out there request your ride. They’ll be plenty of cars available for pickups at an airport. some airports have designated parking spots for the ride shares that you walk to. Not sure about DFW. But you can call the driver through the app if you can’t find them. Or they’ll call you if they get there and you’re not there. Make sure you check the make and license plate so you’re in the right car. just double check you have the destination address correct when you enter your ride info. I always get paranoid I typed in something wrong and I’m going to the wrong place 😂

You’re going to have so much fun!! Enjoy every minute😀 And yes, you can buy whatever you need, but you always need less than you think!

I bought these for my trip to France last year and wore them almost every day of my trip and probably 1/2 of the days since then 😂https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=533655002&vid=1#pdp-page-content I can wash them in the sink and they’re dry by morning. They are super durable. Look brand new and it’s been almost a year and countless washes. I also used a travelon purse with lots of zippers. It came in super handy. I usually don’t even carry a purse at home, but loved having this available while I traveled.