Monday Mix #4

How to save money on grocery delivery, getting flying miles for Uber rides, a plea for help with weeknight dinners, how much you need to earn to live comfortably needing childcare, and creatine. 🧐

Looking back, it’s almost humorous I was overwhelmed by my screen time on Saturday morning, because with the news coming out of Minnesota on Saturday afternoon, I’m pretty sure I doom-scrolled for the next 24 hours straight.

I finally got on the Peloton yesterday afternoon and boy, did that help!! I only did a 20-minute low-impact ride, followed by 10 mins of light weights for arms. So let that serve as a little reminder to take care of your mind and body and this week and prioritize movement. ❤️

What’s On My Mind

Speaking out on Politics

I feel unbelievably fortunate that I can speak about politics on Instagram and get *zero* nasty DMs in my inbox. (I did get one “What about Laken Riley” and a few other conservative viewpoints, but nothing nasty.) This was definitely not always the case (I’ve been attacked and dragged in the past!), but my followers with drastically different views unfollowed me loooong ago. I think at one point I had 114k on Instagram, and we’ve been at a slow and steady decline since 2018. Currently clocking at 82k, and likely 81k by the time you’re seeing this. 🤪

Unfortunately, though, that’s part of the problem. We all live in echo chambers where we control most of what we get to see with follows and unfollows. And then enters the algorithm — I can like one post about a topic, and then get fed 50 more posts just like it. I’ll even TALK about a topic IRL, and then later be fed content about that topic in my feed. I was *shook* this weekend about what came up when I typed a few things into my Instagram search bar… First, I was looking for the Mr. Rogers quote about “look for the helpers” because I remembered seeing a quote I wanted to share. I couldn’t believe the conservative posts I was seeing! And then I decided to do some digging and searched “Minnesota ice,” which was even more shocking, seeing the supportive posts for what’s happening in Minnesota. Seeing content outside of my little bubble of my curated feed was eye-opening to say the least.

I was really proud/thrilled when I saw Rachel Parcell speak out on the government lying to us yesterday — it was in her stories, so I’m not sure if it will still be live when you see this.

This video from Liz Minnella was very poignant about why speaking out matters, because it gives others the permission to do so, too.

While everything feels so unbelievably broken and heavy in our country, my husband and I keep trying to remain hopeful that good things will come out of this, somehow, someway.

While we’re on the topic of politics, if you’re in Illinois especially, don’t forget about the primaries on MARCH 17TH! (I’m ‘volunteering’ again, serving as an Election Judge for now the 3rd time. Likely not too late if you want to consider doing it?! I wrote a post about my first experience here.) This video helps explain what seats are up for grabs (Durbin + Jan) and who the candidates are that are running for those seats. If you plan to vote by mail, you need to order your mail-in ballot here. Ballots begin shipping in early Feb!!

Weeknight Dinners

I feel like I’m always talking about this, but Dave and I are both feeling a bit exhausted by weeknight dinners. Dave is a great cook, but it’s still a chore, especially when you’re also in charge of deciding on the meals and going out to shop for them, too. I’ve been trying to help take a night or two off of his plate each week, but I definitely don’t enjoy it. We were talking last night about starting a meal kit service… I don’t mind cooking at all when I’m following a recipe, so I think it would be a really beneficial service for us. I used Plated when I lived in NYC and loved it!! From quick research, it looks like it was acquired by Albertsons in 2017, so no longer an option.

We’re kind of picky with food, so taste and ingredients are important to us. NYT recommends Marley Spoon (backed by Martha Stewart) if you’re an experienced cook with a well-stocked pantry. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve even heard of it, but it seems like it could be the right fit for us, as we don’t mind putting in extra effort. (And, I mean, the name — truly right up our alley. 🐶)

Wiping the Dust Off

This weekend, I’m going on my first ‘brand trip’ in a very long time!! While this used to be a regular thing for me, it’s been a few years. The Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin invited us for a one-night overnight stay and two tickets to their Friends of James Beard dinner. While it’s not paid work, I’m contracted to share content from the event in exchange for the comped room and tickets. As I mentioned last week, I’m very excited for a change of scenery and a night away!

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Read, Watch, Listen

Michelle Obama on the Call Her Daddy podcast ❣️ (The ski motorcade, I was LOL. But Michelle not skiing anymore gives me all of the extra confidence to say no to skiing on our annual ski trip, haha.)

Households With 2 Kids Need to Earn Average of $402,708 to Comfortably Afford Child Care 😳

Gryffin (one of my favorite DJs) announced his dates at the Wynn in Las Vegas for the year! Sadly not on the one weekend I’ll be in Vegas this spring.

Yes, It’s Fascism. Dave gifted me this article from The Atlantic, but it looks like maybe you can now read it without a subscription?

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Apps, Miles, Points, etc.

Over the weekend, I opened InstaCart to order a few things from the grocery store, as I didn’t feel like venturing out in the weather. We typically shop for our groceries at both Jewel and Whole Foods, depending on what we need. (Sometimes Fresh Thyme and Paulina Meat Market, too.) But I was ordering from Jewel (via Instacart) and I honestly just couldn’t believe how high the prices were. I then downloaded the Jewel Osco app (that also offers delivery!) and was pretty shocked by the product cost differences. The same pack of string cheese: $1 more on Instacart. Limes: each $.50 more on Instacart. (I had 7 in my cart, so that’s $3.50 more on limes.) Trash bags: $2 more on Instacart. A tub of greek yogurt: $1.50 more on Instacart. A single can of Olipop: $0.50 more on Instacart. — The exact same small order of ~15 things was a $20 upcharge on Instacart — and then all of the fees get charged on that higher cart price. Not to mention, the Jewel app had a crazy deal of “take $30 off when you spend $75,” so it was a great experience from start to finish. I will note that the delivery times were maybe not quite as ‘instant',’ but if you’re not in an immediate rush and plan ahead, I couldn’t recommend this more. If you’re not local to Chicago, it’s definitely worth it to see if your local grocery store has a way to order directly!!

I’m usually an Uber girly, but I got a Lyft notification that I had a promo so I opened the app to claim it. I didn’t end up needing a ride anywhere this week, but I found a very cool travel hack! On Lyft you can link both your United and/or Hilton accounts to earn miles/points. For United MileagePlus, earn 1-4 miles per $1 on qualifying rides. With Hilton Honors, earn 3x points. You can link both of them, but then choose which program is ‘active.’ I can’t find the terms on the Hilton deal, but showing a screenshot of what the United promo looks like. On Uber, I have my account linked with Marriott Bonvoy. Free points, might as well take advantage!

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In the Kitchen

Dirty Martini Dip 🍸🤤 I can’t wait to make this!!

Armra saw I mentioned them in my 2025 Favorites post and graciously sent you all a code to use!! JRS will take 15% off for first time customers.

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Open Tabs

❣️ This one is for kids, but this Valentine’s Day bracelet kit makes 24 bracelets and includes cards! Comes out to <$2 per valentine and seems like such a cute idea.

💌 If you’re shopping for cards or stationery, I’ve been so impressed with Greer’s political presence in the last few days. A great small business to support.

🛒 If you’re looking for ways to make an impact with your wallet, I came across ShopRedBag.com and LittleBlueCart.com.

🧼 I am SO INTRIGUED by this cleansing balm, mainly because of the packaging. It’s shave-able, almost? So you don’t have to dunk your nails into a big jar. Developed by a dermatologist and apparently it does not sting your eyes, either!

🀄️ If you host for mahjong, this rattan tile box is so chic! (It looks just like these decorative storage boxes I have off from Amazon!!)

💙 This whipstitch cardigan is DARLING! Feels like it could be worn well into spring/summer, but still suitable for the next couple months of winter, too.

🍓 If you’re into flavored coffee creamer, I keep seeing Chobani’s Chocolate Covered Strawberry Creamer pop up on my internets! Sounds delicious.

😍 I can’t get over all of the Longchamp Le Pliage custom bags!!! If you’re around my age, chances are you had a Longchamp Le Pliage as your go-to bag in college, right?! Everyone at my college did. They give me so must nostalgia and I can’t get over all of the custom options now. 😍

🧳 This Large Travel Bag is on my wish list!!

🏉 I love the look of this polo sweater! Both color ways are cute, but I think the navy one is my preference between the two. (20% off!)

☁️ Have you heard of the Sleep Crown?? It’s basically a pillow you put over your head. I constantly see people rave about it online. It’s pricey, but it looks like they’re doing a drop tomorrow!

💪 I’ve been convinced that I need to try taking creatine. Wtf, I know. I honestly think I’ve spent most of my life thinking it’s a performance enhancing drug, LOL. My dad had my brothers take it when we were growing up — is that even legal? idk. 😅But lately I’ve been seeing a lot about WOMEN taking creatine, and not for bulking up in the gym. Apparently, a ‘micro dose’ supposed to help with cognitive function, memory, mood, and helps preserve lean muscle and bone health as we age?! The two products I’ve bookmarked to keep learning more about: these gummies and this powder. (You can read more about creatine for women here. I trust Kelly a lot — you can read my review of her book here.)

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