Simple Summer Squash Soup

Ummmmmm to the people who said changing your name isn’t a pain the ass, YOU’RE A LIAR. Straight up. It is a complete pain. And it takes so much effing time. I keep hearing, “Oh, I just took an entire day off work to get it done.” Well, I work for myself. So when I take time off, I’m actually losing money since I’m not working. No PTO for me! After using a website a friend told me about and getting 43% done, I had to take a break and walk away. And I haven’t gone back to it in over 5 days. It does all your bank, mortgage, IRS, SS, etc. etc. etc. paperwork but it never ends. I ended up getting so annoyed that my husband didn’t have to do anything and I found myself mad at him for no reason. Especially since I said I wanted to change my name. I want to take his name, but I don’t want to take the steps to get there. I will, but I will b*tch every second along the way. That’s totally normal, right? Going with yes.

PaleOMG Simple Summer Squash Soup

So far, being married has been completely the same as just being in a relationship. Except now we have to review big purchases with each other. But other than that, nothing is different. Oh wait, I’m also asked 7 times per day when we are having kids. EVERYONE asks us that. Us meaning me. I think it’s just a conversation starter for people who can’t think of anything better to talk about me, but for me, it’s an awkward topic. I don’t feel the need for children, at all, but then when I hear people talk about it constantly, it gives me anxiety that I SHOULD feel the need to have children. So it’s this constant internal battle of figuring out what is right for US instead of what society is telling us.

The children stuff just really freaks me out. We are at the first point in our lives that we can save money, we can go on little trips together, we can go out late or sleep in or be hungover. We can do whatever we want to do and giving that up is just way too scary at this point. Please don’t tell me that it’s totally worth it. I get it. I’m sure it is. But going on a trip to New Zealand on a whim is way more worth it to me at this point. I don’t know if that feeling will ever change. What I know definitely won’t ever change is the look on people’s faces when they ask me about kids and I say “EW”. That look is priceless.

PaleOMG Simple Summer Squash Soup

Speaking of priceless, GUESS WHAT?! I got a belated wedding gift from a friend recently and it’s something I’ve ALWAYS wanted. Always but never pulled the trigger…a Kitchen Aid Mixer! Squeeeeeeeee! I have most kitchen toys, but I just could never bring myself to put down the money for a mixer. And she just bought me a teal one that matches the cover of my third cookbook! I die. I love it so much! But now I have to figure out what to make first in it. I think it will be cupcakes…because cupcakes. What’s your favorite thing to make in your mixer? Tell me stuff, inspire me, give me ideas! I need you, amazing readers!!!

Have you guys tried Pacific Foods Bone Broth yet? The ingredients are crazy simple, only using water, chicken, onion, cider vinegar and rosemary extract! So instead of having to boil your ingredients to build your stock (especially on a hot summer day), all you have to do is add Pacific Foods Bone Broth to any recipe for a healthy and delicious flavor. They also have a turkey broth AND broths with added flavors such as lemongrass or ginger! The broth even has 9 grams of protein per serving so you’re feeling fuller longer with the help of this broth!

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Simple Summer Squash Soup

  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons ghee
  • 1 sweet onion, minced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 zucchinis, chopped
  • 2 yellow squash, chopped
  • 32 fluid ounces Pacific Foods Chicken Bone Broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • juice of half a lemon
  • handful of parsley + extra for garnish
  • olive oil, to garnish

Instructions

  1. Place a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add ghee along with onion, garlic, zucchini and squash and let cook for about 10-12 minutes, until onion is translucent.
  2. Then add bone broth, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and salt, cover and let cook for 20-25 minutes, until zucchini and squash are fork tender.
  3. Remove from heat to let cool before transferring to a high speed blender. Add lemon juice and a small handful of parsley to the pot to mix. Then once slightly cooled, pour half the soup mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. (I used my Blendtec and turned it on the soup setting to get it completely smooth.) Blend the other half of the soup mixture as well.
  4. Garnish with parsley leaves and olive oil!

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More Of My Favorite Soups:

PaleOMG Creamy Cauliflower Shrimp Chowder

Creamy Cauliflower Shrimp Chowder

PaleOMG Shrimp Thai Green Curry

Shrimp Thai Green Curry

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Oh, Hi! I’m Juli.

I’m a food hoarder. And a really bad dancer. If you don’t know me well, you will probably not understand my humor. Therefore, I apologize ahead of time. Thanks for listening to my ramblings of my ever-changing life and trusting my kitchen mishaps. Your trust in me is appreciated.

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62 thoughts on “Simple Summer Squash Soup”

  1. I agree with you on the kids thing.. not even close to being ready to even THINK about a child. My old boss told me I need to have kids so I have someone to take care of me when I’m older, uhmmm not sure that’s a legitimate reason to have a child, so for now the only child I will have is my furbaby.

  2. I’m not sure if this is helpful or terrifying. But I’ve been married over a year and I’m still changing my name on random things, such as my southwest rapid rewards number that was changed yesterday. But once you change the big stuff, driver’s license, passport, etc, it gets easier.

    I agree on the kids thing, isn’t that a conversation I should have with my husband and possibly my immediately family NOT a random person/ cozworker I don’t really know.

  3. Brittany Sharow

    Girl, You are preaching to the choir!! My husband and I have gone through the same kid questions for the last TWO years. I think we have finally made it known that kids are not in the cards in the foreseeable future (if ever) and that we can admit we want to be selfish and focus on us right now. Trips whenever we want, big purchases for the house when we want and not feel guilty about it. Kids aren’t for everyone and as long as you and your husband are on the same page, that is all that matters. Do you and enjoy your life as husband and wife!! I love my mixer almost as much as I love my husband. You can use it for just about anything. I like to make chocolate chip cookies in bulk with my mixer and share them with people at work and around the neighborhood. On a side note, I love the blog, I love all your books, and snapchat is a blast!!

  4. Oh man, we would be great friends. When people ask me when I am going to have a kids I reply with, I already have one. He has four legs, fur and his name is Mojo. Fur babies is all I need right now 🙂

    PS – I am really looking forward to your tomorrow’s bachelorette recap – by far best episode ever.

  5. So glad I did not succumb to societal pressure. I almost did at one point in my life when all of my friends were having babies and it seemed the next thing to do. (I was shocked by the number of friends that told me they had kids simply to be included in “kid-friendly” activities and groups.) I luckily moved to a different part of the US and found numerous friends in their 40s and 50s that never had kids. Seeing that their life did not consist of numerous cats and unending loneliness made me realize that it was okay to not have kids (something I’ve never once had a desire to do). It’s a bit harder now that I’ve moved to the south, where every person I meet asks me how old my children are, and gasp when I told them I don’t have nor want any. It’s also hard because most of the neighborhood hang-outs, etc. are titled “mommy’s night out” or “mommy’s poker night.” I was lamenting to my husband just last night how weird it is that women feel the need to label themselves as such. We’ve yet to see a “daddy’s poker night.” Rather, it’s just a guy’s poker night. In that way, I do feel excluded sometimes, but then I remind myself of how important my freedom is to me. Interestingly, when I use to say “I might” when asked if I had kids, the responses were different. Now that I say “NO!” when asked, many open up that they wish they had known that was a real option. That if they had to do it again, they wouldn’t have kids. These are usually responses from older adults who’s children have moved away and wish they had spent their youth prioritizing their wants and desires. These responses definitely reaffirmed my choices. Do what is right for you!!

    1. My husband and I are leaving our TN neighborhood after being ostracized by our neighbors since we don’t have kids. Apparently, no one likes a barren, childless couple! And to that, the New Yorker in me responds with a big ol’ middle finger while invoking that treasured Southerism: “Well, bless your hearts.”

  6. Ok so I have a kid and he’s awesome and incredible, etc etc. But I didn’t have him until I was 31, and I didn’t want kids until about six months before I get pregnant with him. Before that my husband and I were inundated with the Kid Question by well meaning but annoying relatives, co-workers, everyone. And it made me crazy! I always said no, I don’t want kids, and also, please mind your own business. People don’t understand that asking that question could be bringing up all kinds of issues for the person who’s uterus theyre inquiring about. Maybe they want kids and are experiencing fertility issues, maybe they were abused as a kid and are scared to have kids, who knows??? I am so happy I decided to have my kid, but I still totally get why not everyone wants kids. They’re really, REALLY hard. And exhausting. But even though I’ve had a beautiful child, apparently my duty as a uterus-bearer isn’t complete. Now everyone wants to know when we’ll give my son a sibling. NEVER NOW MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS I HAVE TO CLEAN ALMOND BUTTER OFF THE WALLS. I have a lot of feelings about this topic. 🙂

    1. I ADORE our son, but I also loved the 7 years of marriage that we had, before we decided to give parenthood a go. We also have zero plans to add another kiddo to the family. One dog. One kid. Two parents. Family complete. We’re good, thanks.
      People who ask you when you’re going to have kids (or a second, or a third, etc) are usually well meaning (and in keeping with social norms: over 74% of Americans 15-44 have at least one kid, per Gallup), but they forget that their question is one of hundreds that you’re hearing. What may be a casual question feels like PRESSURE, when you’ve be casually asked about this subject, a million times.

    2. OMG the questions about “when is the next one coming?” GAH! yeah, we didn’t even think about getting pregnant until my sister passed away and we decided, “life is too short to wait” (i was 30, almost 31, when she was born) and we were pregnant by the next month. there are SO many reasons that people choose not to have kids. or maybe they want them with all their hearts but have been unable to conceive. people just need to mind their own business and not be total assholes about it… it’s not their life. people are great with kid AND without.

  7. We used to get that question all. The. Time. But we finally sat our families down and said, “We love kids but we also love our current lives.” Now we get to enjoy doing WAY more fun things with our niece and nephews AND get to enjoy the lifestyle we’ve created. I sedan to feel bad about not feeling the need to have children. I love being an aunt and I love my friend’s kids, but I just don’t need my own. Plus, you’re not guaranteed a good one…

  8. I’m 54 and I had my daughter when I was 50. I didn’t get married until I was 48 and really was apathetic about having kids. I also never met anyone in my 20’s that I wanted to go down that path with either. So, in my 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, I had fun…traveled, stayed out late, slept in, worked out a crazy amount, ran marathons, played whatever sport I wanted when I wanted. I met my now husband when I was 44. I told him that if he wanted kids, he needed to find someone younger, mostly because of my age, not because I hated them, but mostly because I didn’t feel like I HAD to have them…the more passionate he was about having kids, and the more I hung around my friends kids, the more I thought I could do it, and I figured we’d give it a shot. If it worked (fertility), then fine, if it didn’t, we agreed that we would be okay without kids. It worked the first time, and I have never been happier. I hate the fact that my child has 2 old parents, but other than that, it’s the best job I’ve ever had. My husband and I just talked yesterday about what if it didn’t work…what would our life be like? I think we would be happy, and we wouldn’t have known what other happiness we were missing…everyone is different. There’s nothing wrong with not wanting kids. I would just say, keep an open mind. Things and feelings change the older you get. Sorry for the long post, but if you had told me at 27 that I would be married AND have a child, I would have laughed my @ss off!

  9. I’ve been married 19 months and JUST got around to changing my name…between all the flights and stuff booked in my maiden name it was just too much of a pain! Then I took a Friday off, sat in the social security office for 2 HOURS and got a little ragey at my husband for not having to do the same. It’s the worst, worst, worst. Luckily every bride, everywhere, agrees 🙂

  10. I get that question a lot and I’m 32. My fiancé and I have no problem with not wanting children. I feel the same way you do, Julie. At this point I think I should know if I do want them, I am a grown adult and I hate when people give me that “look” like I’m a monster. Just like you said, at this point in life, I’m happier thinking about what trip I can save for, etc. than thinking about children. I’m happy with being an aunt! I think it’s a society thing. There are “steps” you are supposed to follow once you grow up. I say BS. Do whatever makes you happy! 🙂 This soup looks amazing! I really want to make the Creamy Cauliflower Shrimp Chowder you posted as well. Yes please!

  11. People need to mind their own damn business. If you know you don’t want kids then good for you. I do have kids but the commentary never ends. You have one and people tell you how to parent then want to know when you are having another one. I have all boys so people want to know if we are going to try for a girl. Just everyone mind your business.

  12. I don’t know how creepy it is that I refer you to as my online would-be BFF (probably pretty creepy), but goddamn I feel like you’re just in my head sometimes. How I wish you lived in Austin so there was at least a (probably more unlikely that I’d like to believe) possibility of a real life friendship! =D

    I feel probably pretty similarly about kids, except that I came from a long-held belief that I didn’t want them at all, until my current fiance who does. We had a long delay before getting engaged while we took time to figure out whether: a) I could actually be happy with kids or b) he could actually be happy without. I’m still undecided but turns out he decided he’ll just have to be OK with it if that turns out to be my decision. His mom, of course, already asked when we were having kids (and we just got engaged a month ago)!

    The most eerie part about your post is that we DID actually just get back from an on-a-whim trip from New Zealand! Ha. And it’s totally, totally worth it. I figured there are very few times in life you get an opportunity to take three weeks away, and I’m so so so glad we did. I know you were looking for travel recs recently (although I also know you mentioned a thing about flying), but if you’re willing to make the trip out there, I highly recommend you do!

    And also, we literally just had the conversation yesterday where he said he didn’t care much if I took his name and I told him I’m probably too lazy to do it, so I won’t. =D But then we half joked that it would at least be fair if we BOTH changed it.

  13. Let me say this: listen to your gut instinct. It will absolutely tell you if having children is right for you. If you don’t want kids, don’t have kids. Period. End of sentence. It’s not right for everybody. I can also speak from experience that having kids doesn’t make you a “kid-person” all of a sudden. I have one child, whom I love dearly, but I wish I had listened to my gut instead of doing what you’re “supposed” to do and have kids. I was always ambivalent about having kids, leaning more toward the not-having-any side, but my husband wanted kids, so we had a child. As I said, I love him dearly, but I wish I had believed that not having kids was an acceptable life choice.

  14. This soup looks bomb and I’m excited to try it … realized I have everything at home to make it! Yay! I get the kid question and it sucks. I’m not even married…hell, I don’t even have a boyfriend and I get the question. I’m 36, never married, no kids and no big plans on getting knocked up just to have one (sorry mom). Most of my friends do and I have nieces which is cool by me. I get to be the fun aunt…and sleep in, go to dinner on a Wednesday if I want, make my own schedule … do whatever I want! That’s not an awful thing…but then Iet these sympathetic looks when I say I may never have kids. Ummm…sorry that hurts your feelings and you think I have failed at life? I see it totally different. I have a really great life and there is more to life than having kids. I would never say never, but right now, I don’t think having a child is the best idea ever for me. Maybe if I met a guy who knocked my socks off and added so much more to my life and I thought he would be the best dad ever, then, maybe 1. But that question of kids is annoying … just do you or turn it back on them….are you having more kids? Why not? Some people have more … just keep asking til they walk away lol. 🙂

  15. Not worth it at all – not yet atleast but you already know that :). Life has its phases and your current phase in life is to be enjoyed exactly the way you are hoping to.

  16. Your soup looks great!

    We also used to get the kids question all the time. The side comments bothered me.
    The best was “why are you married if you’re not having kids yet?” (um, because I love him?)
    A financial goal I had was to purchase a SUV for my next car. When I did, everyone thought I was pregnant. I was not. A few years later I got pregnant, my son is now a year old. I kept the SUV at first but recently traded it for a car. Well then I got comments like “you got the SUV with no kids and now you have kids and get a car. It makes no sense” (um, saving money makes sense! And who asked you?!)
    And, on my Sony first birthday, my father in law said “happy 1st birthday to my grandson. He should be 10 years old.” (Meaning, we should have had him 10 years ago) ????????????
    We just brushed everyone off though. It’s our life!

  17. I got married in April too and have been putting off changing my name. We also started getting the baby question and I’m somewhat older so they are so kind to remind me that as well. The best thing I’ve ever heard in relation to this was someone with kids asking someone without them if they regret not having kids. The person said to them ‘Do you regret having them?’ It was pretty funny. And a legitimate question.

  18. I feel the same way about kids…my husband and I have been married for almost 3 years now. The first year I was getting that question from EVERYONE..then I decided to post a picture meme on my social media of Madea (from the move-Madea’s Family Reunion) holding a gun with the words “ask me one more time when we’re having kids”…shortly after that post the baby questions stopped 🙂 I send it in a text every now and again when someone is getting out of hand with trying to push babies on me. Maybe give that a try lol.

  19. It took me TWO freaking years to change my name! And I still get bills in my maiden name. It’s a monstrous pain in the ass and I swear I will die still not having my name changed on some things. Stupid.

  20. I’d like to tell you that the children thing changes but it doesn’t, it only seems to get worse the longer you are married. We got married really young and people immediately were asking when we’d have kids. We’ve been married six years now, and still no kids. It just hasn’t been important to us. I think you should wait till (or IF) you really want them. It seems like you see a lot of miserable parents who had kids too quickly, or before they REALLY wanted them. There is NOTHING wrong with waiting and enjoying being married and having a husband, it’s a blast. You just have to be able to let the rude comments roll off you. It isn’t selfish, and it isn’t anyone else’s business, honestly. It’s your life! And IF you get to the point where you want kids… great! And IF not, then it’s your life, you will find amazing, rewarding, lovely things to fill your time! Haters gonna hate, don’t let them pressure you into something.

  21. Yum this looks great! My fiance and I talk about possibly having children one day, but aren’t ready anytime soon.

    I understand your side but I also know so many people without kids who talk negatively about people who have kids or want kids. It all drives me crazy. i’m not sure why people care so much about other people’s decisions. ESPECIALLY people who aren’t even close to them!

    You do you, girl!

  22. MAN i can relate to this post on so many levels!
    1) the name change thing was SUCH a bitch! even two years later, I haven’t fully changed *everything* to my married name.
    2) the “when are the kids coming?!” question happens way way way too much, especially since I started law school. I am 24 years old and have been completely shocked with people giving unsolicited advice about having kiddos before I “run out of time”. um..what?

    You have Jackson tho! Don’t people get that dogs are just fur babies?

  23. I don’t know why I thought of this joke when you’re talking about kids since it doesn’t really relate to kids but more to getting married…..”old people kept poking me at weddings and saying you’re next…..so I started doing the same thing to them at funerals…”. Having children is a deeply personal choice so never ever apologize for what’s right for you and your marriage at this time. I don’t know why society tends to push having kids on newlyweds. I guess it’s something else to look forward to as in following suit of how an adult life should go….first love, then marriage, then baby carriage. You’re not alone in your decision to not have kids at this time or ever. Just don’t let yourself feel bad for your choices!

  24. I really want to have kids and I’m turning 30 this August… but my husband and I agreed that we would enjoy our marriage for a few years before we started trying. We’ve been married for 2 years now and we traveled to Nicaragua for our honeymoon, Italy last fall, and we’re going to Hawaii this Sept! Most of our friends have had kids in the last year or two… and most of them have been jealous of our trips. But I do have this worry in the back of my mind that it will be hard for us to conceive and then I will regret waiting… or zika will blow up here in the next year :/ But I’m sure everything will work out how it’s supposed to.

  25. Rachel mcclintock

    WHY DO PEOPLE ASK THAT?! I really don’t get it. My hub’s and I have been married for 4 years and really have no plans for kids yet…maybe ever. I’m not there and not even close. I hate that society pushes that. One more reason to just give society the bird haha.

  26. Ugh. I feel you on the kid front. No matter how prepared I am for the question, I never know what to say/how to react. I’m 25, been married for just over a year and it’s quite irritating being constantly hounded. I feel for you!

    Okay so on to the soup, I am so excited for it. As I was reading the recipe, I was thinking of what kind of chicken/protein I could pair with it… I then clicked the link to the bone broth and learned it has 9 grams of protein per serving! That’s amazeballs. No side even needed! This will be my dinner every night next week. YES.

  27. I am about to turn 40 and never had children. It is single handedly the BEST, and I mean B E S T decision I have ever made. Think about how much child care and all that other crap costs? a lot. Now, imagine if you took all that money and invested it instead. IT was very much worth it for me. I look at my friends and co workers with kids struggling to get by, worried about retirement? Ha. I could retire tomorrow if I didn’t love my job so much. I dated a man for awhile and he had a child. I will never do that again!

  28. So with you on the kid thing. I’ve been married for 7 years, I turn 35 next month – and everyone asks why we don’t have kids yet, and when are they coming. We’ve stopped answering the question, we smile and nod – and cheers them with the alcoholic drink that’s usually in our hand while they’re wiping some nasty random sticky off of their face, hands, etc. It’s no longer their business, and if they haven’t figured out the answer by now – well, it’s not my problem anymore. I don’t get why people don’t understand that it’s not their business, we don’t need or want their input, and we really are perfectly happy traveling, playing, drinking, sleeping, and working whenever we want. Between our two families we have 10 nieces and nephews. We’re good…

    That soup looks AMAZING! I love every recipe of yours I’ve ever made (I bought your cookbook – it’s my favorite).

  29. My husband and I were married 8 years (I was 34) before our first baby came along. We did incredible things in those eight years, traveled everywhere around the globe, bought a heritage home (built in 1924) and did ‘Grand Designs’ renovation on it. My husband ran his own business, I built a professional career. I will forever be grateful that we managed to do all those things before having our family because it means we never asked- What if????

    We found we got to a stage we were just ready for life’s next experience because we had crossed alot of the list. What an experience parenthood is- nothing in your life will bring you as much joy or nearly as much love as a child.

    It sounds to me that’s where you are at- still looking to experience more in your life. Don’t stress about the debate over having children- start enjoying being married and go create some experiences together!

  30. And btw- we still travel with our children. I don’t know why everyone thinks it is impossible. Our last trip was to France and was AMAZING!

  31. Ugh we get the kids question a LOT. And we kept saying 30. But I’m about to be 25 and I’m like man…30 seems a lot closer than when we got engaged at 22 and it was almost 10 years away. Now it’s five. And five is…not that many. Yikes. Anyway, I also find it super creepy for people to basically be asking: So, are you having protected or unprotected sexual relations with your husband? Because COME ON that is basically what the question boils down to.

  32. I tried preparing this summer squash soup at my home. Though it was not perfect but i nearly succeeded. My kids and husband like it alot and are now too fond of this dish. They insist me to make this squash every now and then.

  33. Girl, I’m feeling you on the kids question. We have been together 16yrs. We now have 9 nieces/nephews under the age of 8, and we have pictures everywhere and artwork and we talk about them constantly. But we don’t want any of our own, and some people just can’t accept that. Your statement about where you are in life resonated with me: We are also at the point where we are saving tons of money, traveling whenever we want, moving whenever we want. Hell, we are still finding out who we are as a couple! And it is an awesome time!

    I think the people that keep insisting that you have kids really just want a really fun person in their boat to lessen their stress. Yeah, that sounds like total fun … Keep doin’ what you do Juli, it’s no big deal if you never want to get in their boat!!

  34. Michelle @dogtribe

    I also agree on the children thing for now- I am totally content to have all the freedom I want. I do think people just want to use it as a conversation starter- but really? So personal and awkward!

  35. Grr, on the kids thing. It is my personal code NEVER ever to ask someone about kids. I will, however, immediately ask you if you wear underwear with workout leggings. (Rude. I know. I’m just trying to figure this leggings thing out.)

    Don’t forget the passport for name change! I put that one off until uncomfortably close to a trip.

    1. haha i do but i know A LOT of other women who don’t wear it with their leggings. but i always wear a thong. one of my biggest pet peeves is seeing other people underwear lines. i don’t know why but it bothers me lol

      1. is it TMI to ask if you have found any good ones you recommend? i’ve been on the lookout for some no show workout panties!

  36. About the children thing. You are still young! Enjoy your life and make the most of what you are able to do now. Someone asking whether or not you want kids is such a personal question. They shouldn’t be asking in the first place, so don’t let it bother you. Some people don’t ever want kids and live happy and fulfilling lives. Others don’t know what they want yet. And then there are people who would love to have kids, but cannot for whatever reason. Everyone is different.
    I didn’t realize I wanted kids until I was in my early 30’s. My husband and I had a great life – successful careers, we travelled the world and got to live in different countries, eat in some of the best restaurants in the world. But, despite our great life, we started to feel empty and wanted our own family. I have never been into other people’s kids, but would see other women out with their babies and wanted what they had. So we welcomed our first baby last year. Bringing another little person into the world who is completely reliant on you for everything changes your life. Yes, you can still travel and go out for meals, but it’s different. What to do with your career is also a big consideration. Not everyone wants a nanny or day-care to raise their kids, and it’s very difficult to work from home while looking after a baby (trust me!!!).
    So my point is, I think it’s important to make the most of your life before having kids so you appreciate them more if you do end up having them, and not feel like you have missed out. Also, as much as I love my nieces and nephews, it’s not the same as having your own children. My older sister once told me having a baby takes your relationship with your husband to the next level and it’s like an extension of you both. I couldn’t agree more 🙂

  37. OMG I would definitely make chocolate chip cookies. And banana bread. YUM. I’m definitely making this soup for dinner tonight. This looks amazing!!!

  38. Just so you don’t feel too picked on, it happens the other way as well. My husband and I married young-ish (22&23). Once ring was on finger I was thinking about kids and we were pregnant after about 9 months of marriage. And people were judgemental! Don’t you want to just be married for a while? Make sure it’s going to work? You’re wasting your youth! It was rude and annoying to be treated like dumb kids and it felt like people were sitting back, waiting for us to fail. 18 years and 4 kids later, we are still like newlyweds and are laughing at the haters. No matter what you do, people are always looking to stick their noses in your business and tell you you’re doing it wrong!

  39. I’ve wanted to email you about this after reading your blog several times on the topic of BC/kids but I didn’t want to come off as a total creeper. I really think you might like a copper IUD! I was on BC for years and years and then ended up going to the sponge thing and rhythm and timing method, etc. That didn’t work out too well. I finally decided to man up and get the copper IUD and it’s a game changer. I will tell you that the insertion definitely hurt. But only for roughly 30 seconds. I drank my pain away that evening in terms of cramps. Yes basically monsoons will flood out of you the first period or two but after that life is AHHHHHMAAAAZZZZZZING. Never worrying about pills and no hormonal issues. Also BC can impact bacterial gut flora and also make you more disposed to candida, etc. I love it since I got it and haven’t experience anything except for awesomeness.

    I’m 28 and have basically come to the realization that I personally don’t want kids. Your not a horrible person if you don’t. Which society tries to make you feel like. I LIKE MONEY and FREEDOM and other things like silence, vacations, and buying stupid fancy things I don’t need from whole foods. People like to ignore the fact that the planet only can fit so many humans on it…… Anyways, you’re my idol/guru/mentor whatever you want to call it. Stay strong on the doin you front.

  40. I just got engaged and a coworker told me about the service “HitchSwitch”… apparently for a nominal fee they do all the work for you!

  41. I’m the SAME way about kids. I totally see why people love it and that it is for some people. But I don’t believe that I SHOULD have kids just because it is perceived that is the natural progression of life. My MIL was on us for kids for SO LONG, my husband had to tell her that we weren’t able to have kids. That shut her up! hahah!
    hang in there.. do what is right for you both. We’ve been married 7 years and still don’t have that urge for kids. We love having freedom to do whatever and travel! 🙂

  42. So I just have to comment here because I was nodding my head to the whole post and laughing out loud. Changing your last name is a biatch! I am literally coming up on my 1st wedding anniversary next weekend, and I’m pretty sure I still haven’t changed my name for all my docs. I know I sure as heck haven’t for my passport (whoops!)…I have just been so lazy with it after changing the major ones that I kinda took the attitude that I’ll get to it once I’m forced to. 🙂 So yeah, I feel ya on the pregnancy thing too. Six months after I got married, I changed jobs at my company. People were literally asking me everyday if I was pregnant. Um, rude much!!! The worst was when someone congratulated me and asked me when I was due. A complete stranger to me at the company. I was like, “I’m not.” I think my new response when I am asked if I am pregnant is going to be, “are you?” I like “ew” though too. 🙂 Hang in there…from one non-pregnant girl to another. 🙂

  43. I got married 3 days after I turned 27 and I am 32 now with no kids yet. When we got married, we got the question all the time and we both answered with, ‘in a couple years’. Every year, we travel to somewhere else in the world and we say, ‘maybe next year’. I felt bad that I didn’t wake up every morning with the urge to be a mom, but then I realized I wanted to be a mom but I just didn’t want to yet. Timing is so important. Life doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Your finances, career path, life goals can be drastically different 6 months from now and it took me years to see those changes actually happen before I realized that even though I am not ready today to get prego, I might definitely feel ready in 2 months from now…who knows! My friend described being ready in a really awesome way. She said that she knew she was ready when she took a prego test when her period was late and when it came back negative, she was sad instead of relieved. She said once that happened she knew she wanted a baby. You just keep doing your own thing!!

  44. I made this 2 days ago and it is absolute heaven. I subbed in organic pasture raised chicken broth for the bone broth, just cuz it was way cheaper, and it still turned out delish. The drizzle of olive oil on top makes is the perfect finishing touch. I’m planning to cook up some chicken in the pressure cooker, then shred it and add it to the rest of the soup to make a meal in a bowl.

    My husband and I got married exactly 4 weeks ago. We’re 37 and 39 and have known for years and years that kids are just not for us. We love our nieces and nephews, but also love coming home to our quiet house to play with OUR kid – a cuddly brindle pit bull who thinks she’s a lap dog.
    I compromised in my last relationship (of 4.5 years!). He wanted kids, and I already knew I didn’t, but thought MAYBE I’d change my mind, especially because he was such a great guy, we got along really well and I knew he would’ve made a great dad. He’s now happily married with 2 kids and I couldn’t be more thrilled for him.
    Thankfully my husband and I haven’t had to deal with nosy family or friends. We’ve been very clear about not wanting kids from the get go, and he also got a birthday vasectomy soon after we got together (yay!!).

    So long as you and hubs are on the same page and you’re happy, that’s all that matters.

  45. Take it from a Grandma, Sweetie ~ ENJOY your time with hubs, lots of it, enjoy your freedom. Kids are great if you want them but they change EVERYTHING. You have to be ready to accept the fact that your life is not your own anymore. It’s all about what’s best for the little ones.
    So follow your own heart and don’t let folks pressure you. Keep doing what you’re doing!!!

  46. Hey Juli! This looks amazing. Can it be done without a dutch oven?

    We have no kids. Instead of getting asked when…everyone just assumes we have a few! It’s awkward trying to explain why we don’t. Just can’t win!

  47. Just made this with the spiralized zucchini leftover pieces that I’ve been saving in the freezer for months and homemade broth – delicious, and I’m happy to get that big container out of my freezer!

  48. Just an anside….When I got married the first time in 1968 the government changed my name automatically and sent me a new Social Security Card with it printed on it. . My life was pretty simple then but hey it did seem to be convenient. Thanks to Woman’s Liberation you now have to do all the deciding for yourself. You are all welcome.
    And that is my sense of humor. By the way thanks for the soup recipe, I look forward to trying it out. Blessings and happy marriage.

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