Happy Monday! Today is going to be a great day and I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰
This was supposed to go out at 10am, not 10pm…but here we are. Better late than never!
I wanted to start updating you all on more specific topics rather than just rambling about my weekend chaos so I’ll be reporting on the 5H:
Home
Hosting
Hobbies
Health
Happiness
For Home, I have lots to update in the near future but right now I’m so glad to be back in our air conditioned home after three weeks away! Our HVAC broke so we moved in with my gracious and generous in-laws for a week then we were out of town for two weeks. I’ve been feeling the constant nomad life struggles.
For Hosting, I am ITCHING to have a party soon. I really wanted to host a pre-back to school party this month but I don’t think I can swing it with all we have going on. I’m craving fall foods and I can’t wait for football season so I am definitely going to host a chili cook off sometime this fall!
Hmm Hobbies.. I am still crushing mahjong. It’s actually crazy how consistently I’ve been playing since January! It’s been such a fun social outlet for me. I still have my needlepoint kit that I’ve yet to open. I swear every time I hold it, I fall asleep haha. I really want to try and paint something for my house so I’ll report back on if I get the guts to do it.
As far as Health goes, it could be wayyyy better. I think I’m finally starting to not feel like s#!t from the insides (is my gut fixed?!) and I have been getting acupuncture regularly again since March. I need to incorporate more strength and weight training and prioritize walking again.
Happiness was this past weekend. I got to see my parents and enjoy my mom and dad’s home cooked meals which is always such a treat. I also got to see all of my high school best friends who I hadn’t seen some in over two years! It was such a cup-filling time spent with one another.
Now I want to hear from all 1,582 of you: Within the 5H, what are you the most focused on right now? Let me know in the poll at the end!
According to last week’s poll, 51% of you said busy weeknight dinners are your biggest back-to-school food struggle. I’m here to make that a little easier for you!
Let’s get into it:
🍽️ What’s for Dinner
Slow Cooker Shredded Lemongrass Pork Bowls - I am counting down until I can make this. It sounds so easy and looks so good.
Green Pasta Sauce with Basil, Zucchini and Spinach - Veggie loaded and comes together in less than 30 minutes! My kids are going to love this.
Greek-Style Chicken and Chickpea Bowls - This recipe has an insane amount of protein and fiber combined into one flavor-packed meal that comes together so fast. I just know this is going to be in my regular rotation.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites Recipe - I’ve made this so many times and my kids and I never get sick of it. It’s so delicious and made so fast. Serve with rice and veggies!
Healing Ginger Coconut Chicken Brown Rice Soup - I’m craving chicken soup and I think I want to try this one. Sounds so nourishing with lots of feel-good nutrients.
❤️ 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!).
I am obsessed with this surface cleaner and love that it’s made with plant-based formulas powered by coconut-derived cleansers that lift grease and everyday residue without harsh additives.
My fave things to wear around the house is a long sleeve top and shorts set and this towel-like terry set immediately caught my eye. It looks so cozy and cute!
My two year old daughter’s new favorite shoes are currently 30% off! Made from vegan plastic material, it’s squishy, cute, and perfect for back to school.
One of my best friend’s wore these cute athletic shorts to the park for a kid play date over the weekend and they looked so cute on her. They have a high rise waist band with interior pockets and comes in multiple colors!
This is my secret hangover pill and I don’t know what I’d do without them. They are truly miracle workers.
🤑 My Promo Codes To Save You Money
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💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)
Why This Alaska Mom Is Choosing Work-Life Balance Over a Bigger Paycheck
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: 37
Kids: 2 kids ages 3 & 4.5
Job: Program Manager, Public Health
Yearly salary and bonus: 77K
First salary and how compensation has changed over your career: $48,000, moved company and took a manager position. Could make more if I left public health.
Spouse’s salary: $80,000
Household income: $160,000
Current net worth: $500K
Own or rent: Rent $2900
Childcare or daycare expense: $1800
Recent purchase you regret: Not mine. Spouse bought a mountain bike for $1800 and hasn’t went riding once.
Splurge and don’t regret: An indoor cycling bike, $1000.
Best “mom sanity” splurge: I don’t have one, maybe regular lattes at church service. Our budget doesn’t allow for many regular splurges.
Weekly spend on kid stuff: Minimal. If any. Use hand me downs and only do activities in fall/winter. Swim and skate lessons $75-125 per kid per 6-8 week season.
Weekly spend on groceries: $400
Most spent on a kid birthday party: Including gifts, $300-$400. (90s style)
Guilty pleasure purchase(s) your partner doesn’t know about: We don’t hide any spending, especially given the nature of our finances being pretty tight.
Saving for your kids college tuitions: We have accounts started, put money in them when we have an unexpected increase in funds. Aiming for $1000/year for each kid.
Managing family budget: Targets, and an end of month check. If we went over or were too tight, identify where to back off in the following month.
Something financial you wish your parents taught you: They taught me to be frugal and save, but I knew nothing about investing until my late 20’s
Ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Stay in the mindset that my kids don’t need experiences that have costs regularly. Playgrounds, hiking, unstructured backyard time with basic toys is enough. I can’t control the cost of daycare, I can control if we go to events that cost. Also, pack “picnic” lunches when we do go to those events. They don’t need $20 food truck food.
Money advice for other moms: Don’t compare. A simple life with fun and freedom is a beautiful thing.
Work/life balance: Very good- a primary reason I don’t seek a higher paying job. I have a fantastic balance and boundaries where I’m at.
Most stressful thing as it relates to kids and money: Not wanting my kids to feel real financial pressures that exist in our family. Trying to shield them from the reality
In this economy, I still somehow _______: Tell myself that church lattes are Gods lattes and buying them is giving back. 😂
Food for thought: Times are tough when you work in social service and your spouse is in the military. It’s fun to see the spectrum of finance on here. I hope other Moms living like me can see the beauty in it too.
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