Wooed by the dads
Because dads deserve good gifts too
Happy Monday! Today is going to be a great day and I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰
Father's Day is this weekend — no pressure but the clock is ticking. I have pulled together some of my favorite gift ideas across every budget so whether you are looking to splurge or keep it simple there is something here for everyone.
Infrared sauna blanket to sweat it out at home
Best suitcase for the frequent traveler
My husband’s favorite joggers
Cocktail shaker so he’ll make you lots of drinks
Filtered shower head so you both have great skin
The best griddle for big weekend breakfasts, smashburgers and more
High quality portable speakers
Now I want to hear from all 1,432 of you: How much are you spending on a Father’s Day gift this year?
According to last week’s poll, 40% of you said the hardest part of staying consistent is finding the time while 37% said it’s the lack of energy and motivation. Here are some tips on staying consistent:
Start smaller than you think you need to; ten minutes beats zero every time
Attach your goal to something you already do: after coffee, after drop off, after bedtime
Stop waiting for a big block of free time…it is not coming
Lower the bar on hard days- showing up at 20% still counts
Remind yourself why you started on the days you want to quit
Give yourself grace on the hard weeks without using it as a reason to quit
Let’s get into it:
🍽️ What’s for Dinner
Crispy Rice Salad with Peanut Sesame Dressing - This recipe would make a great lunch or dinner. For lunch, I’d add a can of tuna and crispy chicken cutlets for dinner.
Pesto Chicken Meatball Bowls - This checks so many boxes for me. It’s meal prep friendly, kid friendly, a bowl that can be mixed and matched with whatever you’re feeling. The creamy cashew pesto sauce looks divine.
Skillet Chicken Thighs Recipe - I hit the grocery store late last night and all they had left were bone in skin on chicken thighs so this is what I’m making tonight! Serving with rice to soak up that sauce.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe - This is one of my faves that I don’t make enough but need to. You can serve over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta or spaghetti squash. The summer is when your slow cooker should be out the most doing it all for you!
Grilled Skirt Steak with Tomato Salad - I love the idea of grilled steak with a fresh tomato salad - epitome of summer! Keep it easy with this one.
❤️ What I’m Recommending
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I just gifted this screen-free kid-friendly home phone to my niece who is turning 5 and I love this concept!! Kids can call and receive calls only from approved contacts and runs completely on WiFi.
These electrolytes + trace mineral packs have been coming on the road with me and they’re so refreshing and delicious.
Need this small basin for lots of reasons: serving big salads, punch bowls, washing fruit and veggies. It can do it all.
This sits next to my bed every single day and I take it for granted sometimes but I love this alarm clock. Such a soothing wake up every morning.
I can’t tell you enough how much I love this tinted mineral sunscreen that I’ve been wearing under my makeup every day for the past month. It gives you such a nice bronzey glow and goes on really light.
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💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)
Denver Mom Spends Nearly as Much on Childcare as She Does on Rent
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 40s
Kids: 1; 16 months old
Job: Banking - Compliance
Yearly salary and bonus: $145K
First salary and how compensation has changed over your career: 55,000. Promotions and equity adjustments mainly
Spouse’s salary: N/A - solo mama!
Household income: $145K
Current net worth: No idea 😅
Own or rent: Rent - $2100
Childcare or daycare expense: $1900/month
Recent purchase you regret: $250 walking pad. Not as stable as I’d like and therefore not using it as much.
Splurge and don’t regret: Dyson Air wrap, $600. Use it 2-3 times a week and it’s such a time saver!
Best “mom sanity” splurge: Coffee out on the weekends and dinner delivery one night a week.
Weekly spend on kid stuff: $40-$50?
Weekly spend on groceries: $80-$100
Most spent on a kid’s birthday party: Only had one so far, maybe $150?
Purchases that your spouse doesn’t know about: Self-guilt - honestly probably too much DoorDash!
Saving for your kids college tuitions: $200/month for now
Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: How to budget and save. I’m way too used to instant gratification and it’s made things very difficult!
Managing family budget: Not great with this 😬 I have a bill tracker app to ensure everything is paid and try to use coupons if I remember!
Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: I’ve been very grateful to receive hand-me-downs from family and friends. Otherwise trying to shop basics for clothes to easily mix and match.
Money advice for other moms: Teach your kids what you wish your parents taught you!
Work/life balance: Could be better but could also be a lot worse. Grateful for this life and little person to spend it with!
Most stressful thing as it relates to kids and money: Currently I have guilt of not owning a home to call ours. Renting has its perks but feeling left out of the summer backyard experience.
Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ___.” Eat out and don’t monitor every penny.
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