Zone of Chaos

Just This: Book bans are surging

According to a new report from PEN America, nonfiction book bans are on the rise, and nearly 4,000 books were pulled from American public school libraries during the 2024–2025 school year. We’ve also got an early product review of Mary Claire Haver’s supplements, and Carey may have found her new favorite beverage. PEN America report [https://pen.org/report/facts-fiction/] Cutest coloring book [https://amzn.to/49oDB9b]

HBD Jenn

This week, we drop back into banned books with Stephen King’s Bag of Bones [https://amzn.to/4dL7DoL]. To be clear, we probably never would have picked this one up if Utah hadn’t recently added it to its banned book list, so… thanks, Utah? Actually, no. Seriously. Stop banning books. Let's Shop: Gorjana Jewelry  [https://www.gorjana.com/products/paseo-cuff?variant=43227383398531&collection=bracelets] Caffe Ibis Coffee [https://www.caffeibis.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22855285415&gbraid=0AAAAABwg71y7jS_-vnJyoCczqMTfzC42Q&gclid=CjwKCAjw5s_QBhAdEiwADD_gBi-PnsadXrGWs0lanKN3fazxeCST5KfAVlAssEFyyhLTvfAU0j_JJRoCJvEQAvD_BwE] Let's Eat: Steak and Shiitake Mushrooms [https://foodwithfeeling.com/shiitake-mushrooms/] Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken [https://theoregondietitian.com/lemon-pepper-marinade/]

Just This: Sexy Jesus

This week, we break down the real and slightly alarming cost of “doing all the right things” for perimenopause. Sexy Jesus makes an appearance, rising travel costs test our patience, and password resets might become our final straw. Grab a coffee and your supplements and let's get in to it.

Zone of Chaos

It’s our 25th book, and we’re marking the occasion with The New Perimenopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD, which feels less like a book recommendation and more like required reading for women, especially those in their 30s wondering why everything suddenly feels… chaotic. We’re also talking about the massive week in sports for the gals, Kentucky Derby, and the woman who absolutely shattered expectations by winning the Cocodona 250 and setting a new course record in the process. Hormones, horses, and 250-mile trail races. Just another week around here. What's for dinner? Eggroll in a bowl https://therealfooddietitians.com/easy-egg-roll-in-a-bowl/ [https://therealfooddietitians.com/easy-egg-roll-in-a-bowl/] Asian Beef noodle bowls with rice noodles and local beef https://asianinspiredeats.com/asian-beef-noodle-bowls/ [https://asianinspiredeats.com/asian-beef-noodle-bowls/] Products we love: Colorscience total protection face sunscreen colorscience.com [http://colorscience.com/]  Verve Decaf coffee https://www.vervecoffee.com/products/vancouver-swiss-water-decaf [https://www.vervecoffee.com/products/vancouver-swiss-water-decaf] Podcasts to listen to: AI Data Center Revolt in Missouri https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/a-data-center-revolt-in-missouri/05e598af-f37a-4c91-b6ec-602ffb4b798a [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/a-data-center-revolt-in-missouri/05e598af-f37a-4c91-b6ec-602ffb4b798a]  AI’s Power Grid Problem https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/the-power-grid-ai-problem/d662e838-3f78-4ae9-98b7-c5524044b41d [https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/the-power-grid-ai-problem/d662e838-3f78-4ae9-98b7-c5524044b41d]

Just This: Adulting Sucks

Utah is at it again and banning two more books, Carey finally found mahi mahi after a nine-month search, and Deb accidentally bought a book because apparently Amazon now accepts “looking at it” as consent to purchase. (To be fair, this one may not have been Amazon’s fault.) Also, spoiler alert: neither of us has watched Game of Thrones. Listen in to hear us figure that out.