That’s funny, my husband specifically wants to move out of Arizona because you CAN’T be outside most of the year (at least in the Phoenix area). It’s so sad, we have to tell the kids they can’t play outside for a good chunk of the year because it’s just too hot. It’s very dangerous to hike in our extreme heat too. But up north there are very pretty places with better year-round temps (like Sedona, Flagstaff)
Hello! Another MN mama here who has also contemplated moving. You are right, the winters here are TOUGH. Something I'll say about living here, the winters are starting to soften and many folks are moving here because of climate change (they call them climate refugees because of how bad hurricanes, hear waves and wild fires are getting in the south/west). There is also water shortages in the SW. This isn't to be like a fear monger (I'm in no way a conspiracy or prepper person, just a regular mom). But these were major factors that made us realize it was worth it to stay here.
Everytime I watch your videos it reminds me how much I want to support other moms who just gave birth. I always enjoy your content. Thanks for sharing.
Currently living in AZ Phoenix. It’s amazing. Lifestyle is totally it. Heat is hard but you can get in the pool and go out in the morning/night. It’s so great here. 😊
2:28 as an Arizona native, this made me lol. It’s so dangerously hot most of the year it’s not safe to be outside unless there’s a water source and shade nearby to keep you from getting heatstroke. Definitely cannot go outside anytime you want 🫠 also…running out of water pretty quick there. It’s scary. I live in PA now and the weather is much friendlier here lol
As a mom in AZ, I’m so glad you didn’t move here. If you like the outdoors, you will be miserable. Winters are great and we spend so much time playing outside. During the summer, going outside is basically not an option. Even the pool feels like bath water. And summer is not just July and August. It is May to October. Flagstaff is better, but expensive. I hope you can find a happy medium! I’ve yet to find it. 😢
AZ definitely has its pros and cons. I've lived here all my life! I personally can't do cold... Like it gets below 70° and I'm in a hoodie 😂 The summers are rough, but not unmanageable. Just be prepared for the AC bill (as I'm sure are similar to your heating bills in the winter...) Getting out in the mornings/after the sun has gone down is key. Phoenix has a lot to offer but is about 5-10° warmer than Tucson (which is still warmer than Flagstaff - a city in the mountains that gets snow every winter!) Living in either Tucson or Flagstaff are a few hours drive from Phoenix/surrounding cities and helps us to have the cooler weather more often, but we make the drive to Phoenix for the other things it has to offer! Also, water is not as much a concern as people think it is - yes, it doesn't rain often (except Tucson's amazing monsoon season!) but we also don't all have lawns to water/maintain so we save a lot of water that way!
Throwing Chattanooga, TN out there for places to check out! Pretty mild weather (very humid in the summer) and we are about to become the nation's first National Park City! We have tons of hiking all around and a great community for families!
I also started using only natural fibers last year and I have come a long way surprisingly. Needless to say, I have much less clothing now and I am not mad about it. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend that you watch Dr. Yvonne Burkart's videos who is a PhD Toxicologist. She has changed her lifestyle when she was unable to conceive and her new lifestyle allowed her to have 2 children naturally. I am sure you will want to invite her to your podcast once you see her videos (if you haven't already) lol. I have learned soooo much from her and I am so grateful for her expertise!
I’m dying because we moved from AZ to CO shortly after we had our son for the exact reason you’re saying you wanted to move 🤣 it is just insanely hot and it’s for over half the year depending on where you live 🥵
I personally would never move away from the Great Lakes because the water availability concerns me. But thats just me. I feel like you should look into Appalachia area for mountains but more mild seasons. i think you underestimate how hard it is to get outside in the extreme heat and how dangerous it really is. It has gotten worse in the SW specifically in just the past few years. It is far easier to suit up and play in 20* than try to not die in 120*. I will say we had to move away from family because of my husband’s work and it is so hard. We are trying to move closer. Holidays are more complicated, its lonely, more expensive to see family, and your kids wont know their family as well as they could.
Utahan here. Lots of pros and cons. But if you love to be outside and you like hot and cold. We got you. There is so much stuff to do here that is outside. Almost all the people you meet here are nice. You can drive one direction for mountains and then drive a different direction to the red rocks and heat. Really, if you love outdoors and want to be outside in a camper or van. Utah would keep you and your family busy all year long.
As someone who moved from WA state to Phoenix AZ… the heat is too brutal. We’ve been here for two summers and truly we cannot do anything for 6 months (not even in the early mornings or late evenings). The lows don’t go below 90 and the heat is typically 110+ for 3 straight months. Also, putting babies in a car that’s been sitting outside in the heat is terrifying. We truly do not know how people live here. We are military and cannot wait to be somewhere cooler for us and the kids.
Check out Berea, Kentucky! Four seasons, eco/crunchy culture, hiking families all around, small university, right down the road from Lexington with city-ish vibes. Houses aren't crazy expensive compared to out of state.
Hello! I try to be eco friendly but I'm not hippy granola, i switched a few years ago to natural fibers and it's so good. I do get a little bit of plastic clothing still (i.e. workout gear) but natural fiber clothing can breathe better so you don't swear. Wool helps temperature regulation so not only does merino keep you warm in winter you can get merino running shirts etc to keep you cool in summer. Also wool doesn't hold onto smells the same and you aren't meant to wash it after wearing - only when it actually gets dirty or if it does smell.
There are so many parts of AZ. I lived in Prescott at and it has the best of both worlds. Tropical weather in phoenix then the snow in Flag staff loved it!
I’ve been in the Phoenix area for 2 yrs and I tell all my friends not to move here. The heat is truly horrible. And I’m from the south! It was over 110 for weeks this summer. I don’t understand the people who choose to move here. I can’t wait to leave. 🥵
I miss the sunshine of AZ so much, as I sit in the gloomy UK which has been my home for nearly a decade. Native of AZ, and did loads of climbing and hiking when I lived there. Maybe Flagstaff could be more your style?? Also, I just got on a natural fibres and anti-EDCs kick, so right there with you on the journey 😚 Love your content!!
Have you ever considered the central coast of California ??? Perfect weather year round, beach, hiking, safe.. it’s more costly here but you get paid more. My husband is a firefighter and he supports our family on that salary.
Haha glad to know I'm not the only mum casually cutting her hair at home because it's too annoying 😅 Lived in Tucson for a couple of years and that was fantastic, we could just drive 30 mins and go hiking somewhere. But the summers truly are brutal. At least with the cold you can always just bundle up and go outside. But in that heat, you really just cant be outside after about 10am, so if you want to do any hiking May-Sept you have to be up early.
We are in a hot, humid, and buggy location atm and it’s so hard feeling trapped indoors most of the year. 😢 I feel you! I plan my week around the weather, if it’s going to be nice one day I make plans to go to a park or something and be outside all day. The type of weather and place you describe yourself liking reminds me a lot of the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina where I have lived in the past! Have you ever visited those locations?
Hey neighbor! I didn't know you live in MN! As much as I hate the winter and the summer, I can't imagine living anywhere else. (Except Germany, where we lived for a couple years)
P.S. I'm 100% natural fibers for the kiddos. It's not a big deal at all. Especially for the baby, it's SO easy to find 100% cotton second hand. I actually haven't bought any clothes for him except a couple wool pieces because I got so many hand me downs and Buy Nothing finds. The 8yo is harder, because second hand clothes in general are harder, but we've still been successful.
Just a quick note from a scientist. I really hope it does not sound offensive, but I wanted to let you know that frequency of textiles is 100% nonsensical. Just before anyone goes down that rabbit hole, please do not. It is not a thing. Otherwise, please go ahead with natural materials for clothing, a fantastic choice. Just not because of their "frequency".
Love your channel. I think starting it introducing yourself as “hippie, granola, etc” might scare people away who have lots to gain from your channel. Motherhood and mindset which is what much of your channel is about is universal- not exclusive to a “crunchy” population. I consider myself quite mainstream/conventional and appreciate so much of what you share!
Arizona is fantastic, but if you were to get stuck in a situation where you needed to have your air conditioner fixed in the middle of the summer, it can get pretty sketchy pretty fast. My grandparents moved there after they retired, and we got caught without AC for 2 days. It was probably the most intense 2 days of my life LOL. Just kidding but it was pretty bad.
I moved to SC from AZ and I miss AZ, the heat is bad and kinda pain in the b.. but it doesn’t hurt like cold weather, and you don’t have to deal with the snow, but it’s just something there than makes me miss it everyday, the drive, even if the people say the traffic is bad there freeways and highways are better in the west here the traffic is horrible and is not a real city, I miss the sunset, the food, how close is San diego, Flagstaff, Prescott, it’s true about have kids and have to play inside but is the same if the winters are that cold like in MN, but winters in Colorado and Utah are better probably would be the good option
Hey Shayla, I'm a mum of a 3 year old and a one month old. Would love to hear your thoughts on how you prevent your littlest one from catching all the germs and viruses your older ones bring home. Our eldest goes to nursery every day and is regularly sick, which caused our 2 week old baby (at the time) to spend 4 nights in the hospital.
That’s funny, my husband specifically wants to move out of Arizona because you CAN’T be outside most of the year (at least in the Phoenix area). It’s so sad, we have to tell the kids they can’t play outside for a good chunk of the year because it’s just too hot. It’s very dangerous to hike in our extreme heat too. But up north there are very pretty places with better year-round temps (like Sedona, Flagstaff)
came here to say this! i have family there, you can’t be outside 9 months of the year unless it’s 10p-6a 😢
I grew up in Arizona (Mesa) and spent my childhood outside most of the time throughout the year every year.
I think your hair looks so cute!! It sounds like you throughly thought things through and picked the right option for you :) Loved this update!
Watching this with my baby girl napping in my arms ❤ motherhood is amazing and I’ve never been this happy in my life
Hello! Another MN mama here who has also contemplated moving. You are right, the winters here are TOUGH. Something I'll say about living here, the winters are starting to soften and many folks are moving here because of climate change (they call them climate refugees because of how bad hurricanes, hear waves and wild fires are getting in the south/west). There is also water shortages in the SW. This isn't to be like a fear monger (I'm in no way a conspiracy or prepper person, just a regular mom). But these were major factors that made us realize it was worth it to stay here.
Everytime I watch your videos it reminds me how much I want to support other moms who just gave birth. I always enjoy your content. Thanks for sharing.
Currently living in AZ Phoenix. It’s amazing. Lifestyle is totally it. Heat is hard but you can get in the pool and go out in the morning/night. It’s so great here. 😊
One vote for Montana here! Missoula's particularly sheltered from winter storms so it's easy to get out and enjoy the season still.
The Pacific Northwest is the best for year round weather in my opinion! Winters are mild and summers are mild! Lots of mountains and hiking!
2:28 as an Arizona native, this made me lol. It’s so dangerously hot most of the year it’s not safe to be outside unless there’s a water source and shade nearby to keep you from getting heatstroke. Definitely cannot go outside anytime you want 🫠 also…running out of water pretty quick there. It’s scary. I live in PA now and the weather is much friendlier here lol
As a mom in AZ, I’m so glad you didn’t move here. If you like the outdoors, you will be miserable. Winters are great and we spend so much time playing outside. During the summer, going outside is basically not an option. Even the pool feels like bath water. And summer is not just July and August. It is May to October. Flagstaff is better, but expensive. I hope you can find a happy medium! I’ve yet to find it. 😢
AZ definitely has its pros and cons. I've lived here all my life! I personally can't do cold... Like it gets below 70° and I'm in a hoodie 😂 The summers are rough, but not unmanageable. Just be prepared for the AC bill (as I'm sure are similar to your heating bills in the winter...) Getting out in the mornings/after the sun has gone down is key. Phoenix has a lot to offer but is about 5-10° warmer than Tucson (which is still warmer than Flagstaff - a city in the mountains that gets snow every winter!) Living in either Tucson or Flagstaff are a few hours drive from Phoenix/surrounding cities and helps us to have the cooler weather more often, but we make the drive to Phoenix for the other things it has to offer! Also, water is not as much a concern as people think it is - yes, it doesn't rain often (except Tucson's amazing monsoon season!) but we also don't all have lawns to water/maintain so we save a lot of water that way!
Throwing Chattanooga, TN out there for places to check out! Pretty mild weather (very humid in the summer) and we are about to become the nation's first National Park City! We have tons of hiking all around and a great community for families!
I also started using only natural fibers last year and I have come a long way surprisingly. Needless to say, I have much less clothing now and I am not mad about it.
I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend that you watch Dr. Yvonne Burkart's videos who is a PhD Toxicologist. She has changed her lifestyle when she was unable to conceive and her new lifestyle allowed her to have 2 children naturally. I am sure you will want to invite her to your podcast once you see her videos (if you haven't already) lol. I have learned soooo much from her and I am so grateful for her expertise!
We left from wa to Arizona when Covid hit and the weather beats wa any day! Miss family and friends but so much to do!
I’m also slowly building my natural fiber wardrobe
I’m dying because we moved from AZ to CO shortly after we had our son for the exact reason you’re saying you wanted to move 🤣 it is just insanely hot and it’s for over half the year depending on where you live 🥵
I personally would never move away from the Great Lakes because the water availability concerns me. But thats just me. I feel like you should look into Appalachia area for mountains but more mild seasons. i think you underestimate how hard it is to get outside in the extreme heat and how dangerous it really is. It has gotten worse in the SW specifically in just the past few years. It is far easier to suit up and play in 20* than try to not die in 120*.
I will say we had to move away from family because of my husband’s work and it is so hard. We are trying to move closer. Holidays are more complicated, its lonely, more expensive to see family, and your kids wont know their family as well as they could.
Utahan here. Lots of pros and cons.
But if you love to be outside and you like hot and cold. We got you. There is so much stuff to do here that is outside. Almost all the people you meet here are nice. You can drive one direction for mountains and then drive a different direction to the red rocks and heat. Really, if you love outdoors and want to be outside in a camper or van. Utah would keep you and your family busy all year long.
As someone who moved from WA state to Phoenix AZ… the heat is too brutal. We’ve been here for two summers and truly we cannot do anything for 6 months (not even in the early mornings or late evenings). The lows don’t go below 90 and the heat is typically 110+ for 3 straight months. Also, putting babies in a car that’s been sitting outside in the heat is terrifying. We truly do not know how people live here. We are military and cannot wait to be somewhere cooler for us and the kids.
Been in AZ for 10 years. 10/10 do not recommend if you like 60F weather 😅
Check out Berea, Kentucky! Four seasons, eco/crunchy culture, hiking families all around, small university, right down the road from Lexington with city-ish vibes. Houses aren't crazy expensive compared to out of state.
I've never heard of Berea, KY! I'll have to look it up and maybe even add it to our list! 🙏
Hello! I try to be eco friendly but I'm not hippy granola, i switched a few years ago to natural fibers and it's so good. I do get a little bit of plastic clothing still (i.e. workout gear) but natural fiber clothing can breathe better so you don't swear. Wool helps temperature regulation so not only does merino keep you warm in winter you can get merino running shirts etc to keep you cool in summer. Also wool doesn't hold onto smells the same and you aren't meant to wash it after wearing - only when it actually gets dirty or if it does smell.
There are so many parts of AZ. I lived in Prescott at and it has the best of both worlds. Tropical weather in phoenix then the snow in Flag staff loved it!
Yes i live just outside prescott and its nice here. 2 months hot, 2 months cold andthe rest of the year is just nice.
I’ve been in the Phoenix area for 2 yrs and I tell all my friends not to move here. The heat is truly horrible. And I’m from the south! It was over 110 for weeks this summer. I don’t understand the people who choose to move here. I can’t wait to leave. 🥵
Come to Oregon! We are ideal for what you’re looking for.
I miss the sunshine of AZ so much, as I sit in the gloomy UK which has been my home for nearly a decade. Native of AZ, and did loads of climbing and hiking when I lived there. Maybe Flagstaff could be more your style?? Also, I just got on a natural fibres and anti-EDCs kick, so right there with you on the journey 😚 Love your content!!
We considered Tucson very heavily, the lack of water in that area is concerning though 😬
Yes to natural fiber clothing! Not to mention every wash in the washing machine contributes to microplastics in our water :( especially fleece.
Have you ever considered the central coast of California ??? Perfect weather year round, beach, hiking, safe.. it’s more costly here but you get paid more. My husband is a firefighter and he supports our family on that salary.
Where are you talking about specifically? I’m in Monterey that’s why I ask. Love living here but damn it’s expensive
I wanna move back to Arizona haha I grew up there. But I live in Utah and it’s also so beautiful and winter isn’t bad
Haha glad to know I'm not the only mum casually cutting her hair at home because it's too annoying 😅 Lived in Tucson for a couple of years and that was fantastic, we could just drive 30 mins and go hiking somewhere. But the summers truly are brutal. At least with the cold you can always just bundle up and go outside. But in that heat, you really just cant be outside after about 10am, so if you want to do any hiking May-Sept you have to be up early.
We are in a hot, humid, and buggy location atm and it’s so hard feeling trapped indoors most of the year. 😢 I feel you! I plan my week around the weather, if it’s going to be nice one day I make plans to go to a park or something and be outside all day.
The type of weather and place you describe yourself liking reminds me a lot of the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina where I have lived in the past! Have you ever visited those locations?
Yes!! I thought about nc too! We love the west coast
Hey neighbor! I didn't know you live in MN! As much as I hate the winter and the summer, I can't imagine living anywhere else. (Except Germany, where we lived for a couple years)
P.S. I'm 100% natural fibers for the kiddos. It's not a big deal at all. Especially for the baby, it's SO easy to find 100% cotton second hand. I actually haven't bought any clothes for him except a couple wool pieces because I got so many hand me downs and Buy Nothing finds. The 8yo is harder, because second hand clothes in general are harder, but we've still been successful.
Just a quick note from a scientist. I really hope it does not sound offensive, but I wanted to let you know that frequency of textiles is 100% nonsensical. Just before anyone goes down that rabbit hole, please do not. It is not a thing. Otherwise, please go ahead with natural materials for clothing, a fantastic choice. Just not because of their "frequency".
Hahahaha how is a frequency of a textile even measured?
I live in AZ!!
Love your channel. I think starting it introducing yourself as “hippie, granola, etc” might scare people away who have lots to gain from your channel. Motherhood and mindset which is what much of your channel is about is universal- not exclusive to a “crunchy” population. I consider myself quite mainstream/conventional and appreciate so much of what you share!
Arizona is fantastic, but if you were to get stuck in a situation where you needed to have your air conditioner fixed in the middle of the summer, it can get pretty sketchy pretty fast. My grandparents moved there after they retired, and we got caught without AC for 2 days. It was probably the most intense 2 days of my life LOL. Just kidding but it was pretty bad.
I moved to SC from AZ and I miss AZ, the heat is bad and kinda pain in the b.. but it doesn’t hurt like cold weather, and you don’t have to deal with the snow, but it’s just something there than makes me miss it everyday, the drive, even if the people say the traffic is bad there freeways and highways are better in the west here the traffic is horrible and is not a real city, I miss the sunset, the food, how close is San diego, Flagstaff, Prescott, it’s true about have kids and have to play inside but is the same if the winters are that cold like in MN, but winters in Colorado and Utah are better probably would be the good option
Hey Shayla, I'm a mum of a 3 year old and a one month old. Would love to hear your thoughts on how you prevent your littlest one from catching all the germs and viruses your older ones bring home. Our eldest goes to nursery every day and is regularly sick, which caused our 2 week old baby (at the time) to spend 4 nights in the hospital.
But every summer will get dangerously hotter every year. I'll take cold over 120° any day
I vote you come back to WA with me... but I've also considered AZ.