How's your sleep?
For moms who manage money, meals, and the messy middle.
Happy Monday! Today is going to be a great day and I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰
I can’t sleep and sleep is something I take very seriously. I’m usually an in-bed-by-9 kind of person, but lately I’ve been staring at the ceiling until 1:30am.
Over the past couple of months, it’s been so much harder to turn my brain off. I’m not sure what changed, but my mind just doesn’t power down the way it used to.
The only thing I can think of is that I stopped getting acupuncture about two months ago. Before that, I was going every two weeks. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend looking into it (and of course, talking with your medical professional). In my experience, acupuncture has helped with stress relief, hormonal balancing, physical aches, regulating my cycle, and especially sleep.
Okay… I’ve officially convinced myself. I’m adding it back into my routine. My husband gave me magnesium last night, and I do think it helped a little.
So I have a question for all 1,284 of you: do you struggle to fall asleep or quiet your mind at night?
If you have your nighttime routine down to a science, I would LOVE to hear it. Share your tips and tricks so other moms who might be in the same boat can try them too. Let me know in the poll at the end!
And according to last week’s poll, 50% of you said you just wing it (or do what you see) when it comes to household chores. So basically… we’re all winging it together. Honestly? I’m okay with that.
Let’s get into it:
🍽️ What’s for Dinner
Healthy Burger Bowls with Special Sauce - This is such an easy go-to meal to always have in your back pocket because it’s so simple and customizable. My kids love when I add fries and they enjoy it deconstructed while my husband and I have them in bowls.
Cheesy Tuna Orzo Skillet - I love every ingredient in this meal and I’m actually counting down until I get to make this. Looks unreal and you know I always love a one-pot recipe.
Slow Cooker Jambalaya - Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday so I’m planning on making jambalaya this week. Slow cooker version since it’s a weeknight and I don’t got no time for anything else.
Cheddar-Stuffed Sweet Potato BBQ Turkey Meatloaf - I showed my husband this recipe and he instantly started salivating. It truly does look so good and I can’t wait to make it for the family.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala - Another slow cooker winner. My kids love the miniature naan I get from my local grocery store so they can dip in that yummy sauce. Imagine coming home to this cozy meal after a long work day.
❤️ What I’m Recommending
This newsletter contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you (thanks for supporting the newsletter!).
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💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)
Alaska Mom With Household Income of $400K Wishes She Had More Money
In This Economy? is a weekly series showcasing the costs of motherhood from real moms. Want to share your story anonymously? Submit here — no names, no judgment.
Age: Early 30s
Kids: 2 and 4 year old
Job: Audit Manager, Public Accounting
Yearly salary and bonus: $140,000 plus discretionary bonus
First salary and how compensation has changed over your career: $50,000 - rose quickly after year 2.
Spouse’s salary: $260,000
Household income: $400,000
Own or rent: Own - $2,700
Childcare or daycare expense: $5,500
Recent purchase you regret: Slippers- $30
Splurge and don’t regret: Full size SUV - $74,000
Best “mom sanity” splurge: Gym membership that includes hot yoga, some spa amenities, indoor pool and splash pad
Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $700
Weekly spend on groceries: $500
Most spent on a kid’s birthday party: $700 ish
Purchase that you don’t tell your partner about: Lunch out by myself with a drink when I get a weekday off, though he joins sometimes
Saving for your kids college tuitions: Yes - $500 per month
Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: To open credit accounts early to establish strong credit
Managing family budget: No real system - just try to keep spending consistent
Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Spend money now and hope they’re functional adults later
Money advice for other moms: Career stability for both parents prior to having kids is very helpful
Work/life balance: Good
Most stressful thing as it relates to kids and money: Balancing additional childcare that is needed when spouse is regularly away for work. We’ve found we have to keep the additional care consistent even when he’s home to be able to attract decent candidates.
Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow _______.” wish we made more money.
Thanks again for being here. If you love it, forward this to a mom friend—more voices make this better. And if you ever want to share, vent, or suggest something, just hit reply. I’m reading every email!
Woo you next week,
Ann