Between Batches

Episode 13 - Summer Time

Danielle Ashley Season 1 Episode 13

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0:00 | 28:34

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It's hard to believe we've reached the end of our very first season!

In this season finale of Between Batches, we're slowing down with a classic Aperol Spritz and taking a look back at this incredible journey. From faith and friendship to marriage, body image, hobbies, burnout, and everything in between, we're reflecting on the conversations that meant the most to us—and sharing a few behind-the-scenes moments from creating this podcast.

We'll also let you know what's ahead for the summer. We're taking a little break to rest, refill our cups, and dream up even more conversations (and recipes!) for Season Two, returning this September.

Before we go, we need your help! What topics would you love to hear us tackle next season? What recipes should we make? We'd love to hear your ideas because this community is becoming one of our favorite parts of Between Batches.

So pour yourself an Aperol Spritz, pull up a chair, and join us one more time before our summer break.

Thank you for laughing, listening, and spending this first season with us. We'll see you in September—because life doesn't stop... it just happens Between Batches.

SPEAKER_02

Welcome to Between Batches, where life happens between batches.

SPEAKER_00

We're two friends figuring out life in what we lovingly call our Queen Ager era. I'm Ashley and I'm Danielle. So something is coming together in the kitchen. We're talking about everything else. So let's get to what we're batching today. And what are we batching today?

SPEAKER_02

We are batching a classic Aperol Spritz or summer spritz. Um, and we're gonna talk about summer.

SPEAKER_00

I love it.

SPEAKER_02

This is a great cocktail for the summer. Summer's my favorite. Okay. So walk me through because I don't remember if it's a lot of.

SPEAKER_00

I don't usually measure my Aperol spritzes, and here's why it is about the color. So if you look at the back of a bottle of Atherol, they will actually tell you what order, how much, and what it should look like on the back of the bottle. Yes. And I will tell you, hubby is amazing. And the Italians don't mince words. It literally says no, okay, no. So we are gonna pour some Aperol first.

SPEAKER_02

Aperol?

SPEAKER_00

Yep.

SPEAKER_02

And prosecco.

SPEAKER_00

All right.

SPEAKER_02

And then um a little bubble water clipset of.

SPEAKER_00

And then you do prosecco until you have like maybe just like that much room left. Right. Because that's really all the bubble water that you want. So while Ashley pours the prosecco, and then I'm gonna get the sparkling water in there just to you just literally need like a split shitty splash to top it off, and that's it. Yes. Alright.

SPEAKER_02

Okay. Alright.

SPEAKER_00

I love a summer time, friends. All right. Well, pour yourself a spritz and meet us at the table. All right, here we are at the table. Yes. And we're gonna talk about summer, guys. We are. It is the summer season, and what we want to talk about mainly is summer break and the summer break that between batches will be going on.

SPEAKER_02

Yes, we're gonna take a little break, um, but we will be back, of course. We will. Um, so we kind of wanted to reflect on this first season and talk about what's what you can expect during summer and then after.

SPEAKER_00

So, what has this um, I guess, inaugural season meant, season one of Between Batches meant for you?

SPEAKER_02

Um, I it I don't know what I expected, like what I went into it expecting, um, but it has been really fun and I think a great way for you and I to be intentional about our friendship. A hundred percent. Um, and getting to see each other really intentionally, whether it's to plan or it's to record. Um and it has been definitely like stretched me. Um, made me be on social media more than normal. Um, or posting at least more than normal, um, which has been actually really good. It hasn't been bad. Um, what about you?

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, so I think for me, it has been really I positive experience. It has brought me a lot more joy than I thought it would. Um, it has definitely stretched me to learn some new things and to try some new things, and it's definitely made me have a new level of organization. Um I have definitely been on social media more because if you are in my inner circle and we are friends on social media, um, you know I really don't post at all. Yeah. Um, and so it has definitely made me at least reshare some of our between batches stuff, which has been kind of fun. Um it's just been so refreshing not only to get to spend more time with you, which has been obviously the highlight. Um, but also just to have conversations with other people about some of the topics that we have on here and know that we're not alone. And um, it's just been a really positive, uplifting experience for me.

SPEAKER_02

I agree. And I think it is encouraging to see you guys in the comments section. Yeah. Um, telling us what's happening um or your opinions on the topics. Um, and then yeah, it's been good conversations like in real life with people as well. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

For sure.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

So do you have a favorite episode that we have filmed? So this is episode number what?

SPEAKER_02

13.

SPEAKER_00

13, lucky number 13.

SPEAKER_02

Um, I think my favorite episode was probably the marriage episode. I also really enjoyed our travel episode.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, both good ones. Both, yeah. What about you? I would have to say marriage was definitely my favorite, um, which is kind of interesting. I did not think it would be my favorite episode, not because I don't enjoy my marriage. I very much do. Um, but it wasn't the intention behind starting the podcast.

SPEAKER_03

Right.

SPEAKER_00

The intention behind starting the podcast, as you guys know, if you saw episode one, yeah, um, was to share about this kind of queenager era that we're all going through together and and the ups and downs of that and how to navigate that. And so the marriage episode was just something that we wanted to do because your husbands, whether they want to or not, have to come along on that ride with you. And so I I agree. It was fun. Any time you can have margarita is that's fair, not a bad time. We just missed the boat. We should have had chips and dips.

SPEAKER_02

I know we're right, especially when it ended up like we did not plan for it to come out on Cinco de Nile, especially when that ended up like, oh missed opportunity. Make some queso.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, but I think that was just a really fun, I agree, funny episode.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah. Um my mother-in-law, um, she texted me and she like like gave me, I don't, like, encouragement, I guess. Like feedback on that episode. I really liked it. She enjoyed it too. So yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Good.

SPEAKER_02

I'm so glad. Yes, I think that was that was fun. Um what are some topics that were kind of tough to talk about? Oh.

SPEAKER_00

Body image. Yeah, that one was hard. That was a hard one. Um the kids' one was a little bit hard, I think, just from the perspective of A, I don't have littles anymore.

SPEAKER_02

Right.

SPEAKER_00

So a lot of mine was from memory. Um, and then B, I think just highlighting the differences between typical kids and special needs kids.

SPEAKER_02

That was kind of challenging. I think for me throughout the whole season, navigating um respecting my kiddos' privacy and wanting them like what they want or don't want to put out into the world, yeah. Um, is also kind of hard. And then even, you know, maybe they don't know what they want and don't want the next idea.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. Um, so I kind of I yeah. Is there anything about starting the podcast that felt harder than you expected?

SPEAKER_02

Um, well, I think so, neither Danielle or I are producers or directors or content creators, content or even particularly organized. Um prayer, people. So I think learning the editing was actually I think easier than I thought it would be. Um the getting on a schedule, I think the content creation part was actually harder than I thought it would be.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I think we're still a little challenged with the content creation portion and just staying on a set schedule.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah, and making sure we stay relevant.

SPEAKER_00

I think to like us in our air quotes today, there's been a lot of them. Um I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed editing the episodes and going back and listening to some of the things that flew out of our mouths, not always intentionally, and just were silly moments and the things that we would have to maybe cut out. And it was really pretty entertaining.

SPEAKER_02

It was. I really enjoyed, like, I I did really enjoy that evening part.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, I think the hardest thing, honestly, has been finding outfits for all of the different episodes.

SPEAKER_02

Outfits have been challenging, y'all. Like, um, yeah, for sure.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

I think I there was a brief moment um just the other day where I was like, you know, if we didn't record this podcast, we could just be in sweatpants with no makeup, and nobody would know the difference if we just did the audio version.

SPEAKER_02

And maybe we have an episode where we are in sweatpants and no makeup. I mean, even if we have makeup, but we just can be in our sweat and snuggly.

SPEAKER_00

I just really like to be snuggly. And I really like to not have to put makeup on.

SPEAKER_02

That's fair. Um, so summer is I mean, it's here upon us. It is getting muggy. It is, it's getting warm, and all of our kiddos are officially out of school now.

SPEAKER_00

Um, so I officially have no more children in school at all.

SPEAKER_02

Period. That's true.

SPEAKER_00

But I'm thankful that they still do because I'm not ready to go. I mean, I shouldn't say that. Bug will go to her next level of education, but no more elementary K-12 education for my family.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Funny story from Bug's graduation. I have to share real quick since we're doing summer vibes. Um, her school did a senior breakfast the day before graduation. Okay. Um, and it was like breakfast and then graduation rehearsal and awards and that kind of stuff. And we went to it, obviously, as her parents. And the one of the vice principals who we spoke with regularly because of Bugs IEP, um, was standing at the door and she said, Hey, congratulations, guys, and gave me a handshake. And I was like, Thanks so much. And they're like, We're so proud of her. I was like, us too. And I said, Yeah, I said, I don't know what I'm gonna do with myself. Come next year. I have no more kids in school. And she goes, We're hiring, we always need paras. And I was like, no, yeah, absolutely. I know. I mean, maybe someday, but I think at least for one year I'm going to enjoy just not having to be beholden to all the K through 12 things that happen in school.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah, I think that's totally fair.

SPEAKER_00

Um, what are your plans for your summer?

SPEAKER_02

Well, at the moment we don't have any like really big, fun, crazy plans. Um, we're going to take a road trip. Um, we have well, my boys have a camp out shocker. Um, and there will be sports camps and things like that. But I plan to attend to my garden, do some more baking, hopefully some canning in my own house all by myself without my mommy. And a big old set. I know it's a big all set. Um, and I'm gonna share with you guys. Like, we're gonna take you along some of these rides. What do you guys have planned for the summer?

SPEAKER_00

So we do have a big trip planned that I will tell you guys all about after we get back. Um, and we've been looking forward to it. It's been a year in the making, if not more. So we are excited for that. Um also gardening. I have, as you know, a massive garden that I am looking forward to getting lots of fruits and veggies out and saving for summer and making things. I am really looking forward to my first tomato sandwich. Like, if y'all live in the Midwest or grow your own tomatoes, you know nothing beats the first tomato sandwich of the season with a tomato right from the garden.

SPEAKER_02

I was just gonna ask you how what goes into your tomato sandwich?

SPEAKER_00

This is not a good bread, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and tomatoes. That is it. A tomato sandwich does not need anything else. If your tomato is a good tomato from the garden and properly ripe, it needs nothing else. And I will die on that hell.

SPEAKER_02

That's how I feel about a good steak, but that's a whole nother stuff.

SPEAKER_00

Oh, yeah. We could really go down a rabbit hole with good steak and how it should be fed and all the things. But other than that, pool, yeah, lots of pool time, um, hopefully a couple of lake days.

SPEAKER_01

Hopefully.

SPEAKER_00

Last summer we did not get our no, and I am gonna like I know put a boot up your hubby's boot behind and be like, let's go. Yes. I know you don't love no, that's I love the lake. Actually, I'm learning to love the lake. It's yeah. We I've learned that if I pack snacks, she will go to the lake. Feed me and I'll be happy. That's true. Um, and then just hanging out with our friends. We always have a big fourth of July party. We'll probably do some posting from that. And yeah, so I love summer. Summer's my time.

SPEAKER_02

I do too. I I don't think I did love summer when I was working full time in an office, had to go to a place, and my kids were little and you know, at daycare, because I was just like, I want to be with my people in the summer. And now that I work from home and we I have more flexibility and my kids are older, I really love summer.

SPEAKER_00

Yes, yes, I do too. Okay, so what are we not? Oh, excuse me, what are we not doing this summer? We are not judging our bodies.

SPEAKER_02

No, we are wearing swimsuit. The swimsuit. So wear the swimsuit. A friend of mine from high school, we were friends in high school, and now she's probably on that outer um acquaintance-ish area, but she um this is a whole rabbit squirrel moment, but um she rabbits and squirrels. She had breast cancer and actually wrote a book called Wear the Dan Swimsuit. And we're gonna read it. All about wear the dance swimsuit. It's basically like life's too short. It is. You want to be present with your kids, you want to be present with your family, wear the dance swimsuit.

SPEAKER_00

So we will be wearing the swimsuit and forgetting the makeup and baseball caps were invented for a reason. Remember that. Absolutely. Um, yeah, I'm looking forward to it. So we will not be on a strict schedule this summer.

SPEAKER_02

No, we will not, and we will not have um regular episodes coming out every Tuesday. Those will resume um in September. We'll give you more details on that here in a minute, but um, so don't expect to see regular episodes, but do expect to see content, some little shorts. Um, we may have some like fun tutorials. I know I personally we have a lot of fruit trees on our property, and I love when the cherries are ripe and make a good homemade cherry pie. So that may be coming.

SPEAKER_00

Yes. Um and I do not have fruit trees. However, I do have blueberry bushes and those make really yummy blueberry martinis. And I do have um always an oh now, watch this year. I won't, but usually I have an overabundance of little cherry-sized tomatoes in a variety of colors. And last year I started making marinated tomatoes and keeping them in my fridge for all sorts of things. You can use them for dinners and appetizers, so please expect to see some of that because yes.

SPEAKER_02

So I just found a recipe the other day for marinated tomatoes with like birata cheese and crusty bread.

SPEAKER_00

Yes, I made one last year that you actually took the marinated tomatoes, put the black of feta in the middle, and then like roasted it.

unknown

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

So good. So expect some of that.

SPEAKER_02

Yes, basil. Like, I always have so much basil and love making homemade pesto.

SPEAKER_00

And here's the deal: we have 13 episodes out now, counting this one. And I know not all of you have listened to all of them. Yeah. So use the summer to catch us, rewatch, listen. We'll still be monitoring all of our comments. Feel free to send us messages about things you loved, um, or any comments or content. And we would love to chat with you.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah, and we would love to know what your favorite episode is. I should have said that back when we were talking about our favorite episodes.

SPEAKER_00

I know, yeah.

SPEAKER_02

Tell us what your favorite one was and what made it your favorite.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah, that's a good, yes. Why was it your favorite? I love that.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah, as we're baking and cooking, we will share.

SPEAKER_00

All right, Ashley, why are we taking a break?

SPEAKER_02

Well, as we talked about during burnout and other episodes, like we just need to rest. Yeah. And um, quite honestly, we want to encourage you guys to rest and to take a break. Um, summer is a time when you can move slow and um the pace can slow down. And so we want to enjoy that and enjoy that time with our families and encourage you guys to do the same.

SPEAKER_00

Yes. And I think that taking a break gives a you guys some time to catch up on our content. I mean, it's great to listen to by the pool when you're not doing anything else or while you're in your garden. Um, and it gives us some time to recharge our creative batteries so that we can bring you guys new content and new ideas and new recipes and um recharge our own batteries. Sorry, friends. Ashley was hitting her microphone a couple episodes ago, and now I'm hitting mine, so I apologize. Um, but I think it's just important for us to recharge and to spend some family time. And summer just seems like the natural place to take a break. I mean, when we were growing up, TV shows did it, right? They went on hiatus over the summer, and so we're kind of doing the same thing. And we want to give you guys permission to take a break from something in your lives, but maybe not us. Don't take a break from us. We're so fun. Share with us your summer stuff too. Like, we would love to see what you guys are doing this summer. That would just make our hearts very happy.

SPEAKER_02

Um, tag us and like if you try any of our recipes, please tag us in the recipes.

SPEAKER_00

Um if you sip one of our cocktails by the pool, tag us. Yes. If you get out in your garden because of us, tag us. Absolutely. We would love to see all of your cool summer. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02

And what, like, kind of speaking on summer, and maybe I'm like taking another squirrel. Um, do you feel like you know this?

SPEAKER_00

You just had a vision of grabbing squirrels and putting them in your pockets. Sorry.

SPEAKER_02

Do you think that with social media and everything, like there is like a realistic version of what summer is supposed to look like? No. Yeah, I agree with you. Like, I just think that so many times, like, people think it has to be so curated. And like with the trips, like you guys are taking an amazing trip. They are, but this is not our normal. Right. And um, things along those lines, like, it's not gonna look the same as everybody else, and it's not might not be like big and crazy, it might not be by the pool, it might be a slip and slide, it might be a sprinkler, um, and a popsicle in your backyard. But I can assure you that your kids are making memories and they are loving the intentional time.

SPEAKER_00

100%.

SPEAKER_02

Um, it can be sidewalk talk in the driveway. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Yes.

SPEAKER_02

And it's fun because we often we don't talk about on the podcast, but I think we talk about like summer when we were kids was you're playing outside until dark. Oh, yeah. And even then you're catching fireflies and a mason jar, and yeah, um, you know, you're just yeah, it's I want to have a feral summer. I think that's what I want to do. Like, let my kids be feral and just go play. And you can do that out on your land. You can.

SPEAKER_00

A little harder to do in the city, but I could still kick them outside. I could still kick them outside. That's true. That's very true. I just think like, show us your real summer. It doesn't need to be pretty or curated or a fancy trip. Um, if it's popsicles and an old folding chair in your driveway, we want to see it.

SPEAKER_03

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00

Um, I just think there's something so nostalgic about that. And I think it's something that our society is craving right now. Um, and I think it's healthy and it's good and all of those things. So, whereas yes, I do have a trip plan this year, it is not our typical summer. Honestly, summer is the one time we don't travel. It's when my um hubby is um the slowest in his job. And so we really just enjoy typically not leaving our neighborhood and doing all of the summer things like snow cones and gardening and sprinklers and driveway hangs and yeah, things like that. So I don't know how we got down that rabbit hole squirrel gathering episode, but um moment. But please share with us. We would just love to see you guys over the summer and um enjoy with you. Yes, absolutely. So, what is next for between batches, Ashley?

SPEAKER_02

So, what you guys can expect next season in our next batch is um probably more of what we more of the, I shouldn't say the same, but um more recipes, more table talk. Um, but we might take you on the road with us. Yeah. Um, we might have some guests. We have a couple of guests that we've been talking about, um, bringing on the show with us. And so um if there's a topic or recipe or an item that you would like to see us make or talk about, please comment or send us an email or a text um if you happen to have our phone numbers and let us know what those things are that you want to see because we want to give you guys what you are looking for.

SPEAKER_00

And you can send us messages either via our YouTube channel or our Instagram page. Both of those places have messages set up. And if you go to any of your podcasting pages where you might download us or listen to us, they all have a message option as well. Um Because we are looking to expand between the between batches next season. We are excited to bring you guys even more content and we would love to keep it relevant for you and your lives. And we want to have um we have a couple of ideas for some fun guest episodes and maybe an on-the-road episode, of course, new recipes.

SPEAKER_03

Yes.

SPEAKER_00

Um, and um any maybe a new segment or two, even.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah, we we're looking to grow and we want you guys to grow with us. So that's where that like help us grow, but help us give you um what you want and share us with your friends. So um we plan to have the season two, episode one, or batch two, episode one premiere on September 8th. Yeah. So look for that. It's still at 11 o'clock, and we will still be on Tuesdays.

SPEAKER_00

Yeah. Yeah. Tuesdays starting September 8th, season two. And maybe we can even, I haven't talked to Ashley about this yet. So she's gonna have a natural reaction here. Maybe we could even like the night before or the day of do like a live watch premiere episode. Wouldn't that be kind of fun? That would be fun. Um, and maybe make it a little bit longer so that we can interact with people online. Okay, that would be super cool. I like it.

SPEAKER_02

Okay, so should we get to what we're currently craving? We should. Okay. So, Danielle, what are you currently craving?

SPEAKER_00

So I this is my aura ring. Can you see this? It's like the rose gold one. Okay. So I'm sure you have noticed, or maybe you haven't, but in every episode I have this on. Um, I got this probably three or four months ago. I don't know if you all can hear it. I don't know what the microphone is picking up or not. But if you can hear what sounds like a leaf blower, that would be hubby doing artwork. And apparently he's decided this is the moment he needs to blow out the area closest to the house and the front door.

unknown

Cool.

SPEAKER_00

So we're just gonna give him a moment in that. All right. Do you think we're good? I mean, I mean, it is what it is at this point. So back to my current craving. My aura ring. You may or may not have noticed, I have had it on in every episode. It is something that I got several months ago. Um, part of going through this wonderful Queen Ager era is figuring out what my body is doing and why. And so this has been invaluable in providing insight into things like my body temperature. I had no idea how much that affected how I was feeling, how I was sleeping, how I was getting through my day, my energy level. Um, it measures my resting heart rate, which, and when I sleep, I also didn't realize like on the nights I'm not sleeping well, my heart rate doesn't quite go as low. It stays a little bit more elevated, which is was fascinating. Um, it gives me permission to rest, which has been huge on days that it knows like you are not feeling great, your body is telling me that you're not feeling great, you need to take some time to like take a break here and there, um, which has been invaluable for recovery and stuff. And I would imagine it's a little validating. It's very validating to not feel like you're crazy. Yeah, like I am actually feeling these things for a reason. They are happening, and it does all kinds of other things. I they're not paying me to say this. I just genuinely love the product, and I'll be super honest with you. I bought it at Costco because I knew if I bought it from Costco, they had a 60-day return policy on it. And I was like, okay, because they're not inexpensive. Absolutely, yeah. My husband was actually the one that encouraged me to get it, and he's like, you have to do something. And I was like, okay. And I had a watch prior previously, but I cannot sleep in a watch. I have tried and tried and tried and tried, but this doesn't seem to bother me. So it has provided kind of that missing link sleep data, which was really helpful. So if you feel like some sleep data might be helpful for you, then I am definitely a yes for the aura ring. Yeah. I love that.

SPEAKER_02

Okay.

SPEAKER_00

How about you?

SPEAKER_02

My craving is a little less um, I don't even know what the right word is. But it is this cute little Stanley um cup. I don't know if you can see the colors of the stars.

SPEAKER_00

Can we just admit that the little Stanley is in? Because I have one on my I have one on my list for my birthday. I want a small one. My big one is great, but the little ones are so nice.

SPEAKER_02

And honestly, this one I haven't used it. I've only used it as a cup. Um, but according to the website, it can also be used as a koozie for like a regular size can. Um I haven't used it that way, but multi-purpose.

SPEAKER_00

Multi-purpose. I just think it's so festive for the season of summer. So it's just red, white, and blue. Don't you can't tell me it's I think so too.

SPEAKER_02

And it's the 250th birthday of America, guys.

SPEAKER_00

Yay, America! In red, white, and blue. That's I'm just in my summer mom uniform. It's one of those like little stretchy like tennis dresses. Yes, that you just like wear all the time. It has the built-in shorts and bra and all the things. Yeah. It's my summer mom uniform. Yeah. But yes, red, white, and blue. And this little cutie. Your Stanley Cup is really cute. Okay, are we gonna link all of this on our Pinterest page for everyone?

SPEAKER_02

Make sure you can find them through our Pinterest page. And um and if you haven't checked out our Pinterest page, summer would be a great time to do that. Yes. Oh my goodness. And man, Pinterest is another place that I can go down a rabbit hole and spend a whole lot of time.

SPEAKER_00

A hundred percent. I can definitely be bop down that a little bit. All right. Do we have a question on the table for this season finale episode?

SPEAKER_02

We do. Our second finale question is what would you like to see next season? Please tell us. Um, we really do want to make content that is relevant for you guys.

SPEAKER_00

And um so if there is a topic or a batch of something you would like to see us make, um, please tell us what it is. We will do the research for you and we will make it for you and and test that out and see what it's like. So yeah, please let us know. Let us know.

SPEAKER_02

Yeah. And please, as always, like and subscribe. And if this episode resonated with you and you would like to share it with a friend, please do as well.

SPEAKER_00

And we will see you back here at the table September 8th for season two of Between Batches.

SPEAKER_02

Have a great summer.

SPEAKER_00

Bye, friends.