Wooed by what we can control
Actionable items for when mommy's stressed
Happy Monday! Today is going to be a great day and I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰
Checking in with my fellow moms... is anyone else barely hanging on right now? 😂
Between the constant summer schedule changes, vacations, childcare logistics, working full-time, managing the household, keeping everyone fed, and trying to remember who's supposed to be where and when, I feel like I've been running a marathon without a finish line. I’ve been dying and was completely overwhelmed and at my wits’ end last week.
Here are some tips I try to ground myself with when I’m about to lose my shit:
📅 Plan one week at a time. Looking at the entire summer calendar can feel overwhelming. Focus on what’s happening this week and tackle the next one later.
🛒 Simplify meals. Rotate a few easy favorites and don’t be afraid of convenience foods. I have been making one recipe per week and the other meals I throw together protein + veggie + carb and we’re set.
💛 Schedule something for yourself. Even if it’s just a walk, coffee run, workout, or 30 minutes with a book. Moms need breaks too. For me, I play mahjong every week with friends and I love just doing something for fun.
🏊 Prep the night before. Lay out camp bags, swimsuits, snacks, and anything else you’ll need the next day. Future-you will be grateful.
🥨 Create a grab-and-go snack station. Fill a bin in the fridge and pantry with kid-approved snacks so you’re not answering “Can I have a snack?” 27 times a day. My kids know where the snacks are and help themselves when they need it.
📱 Batch your errands. Designate one or two days a week for appointments and errands instead of trying to squeeze them in every day.
🧺 Embrace the laundry cycle. Summer somehow doubles the amount of laundry. A load a day is often easier than a mountain on the weekend.
I definitely feel refreshed after a long weekend and mental reset. I also had time to make a banana bread for the week last night!
Now I want to hear from all 1,436 of you: What’s your biggest summer challenge right now? Let me know in the poll at the end!
According to last week’s poll, 52% of you spent less than $100 on a Father’s Day gift this year and 9% said you are the gift. Slay mama.
Let’s get into it:
🍽️ What’s for Dinner
Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken - Taco Tuesday is sacred in our house and I am always looking for a fun way to switch it up. This recipe caught my eye immediately and I cannot wait to try it. My go to move for the kids is melting the cheese right onto the tortilla first then stuffing it with protein. They love it every single time and it could not be easier.
Zucchini, Corn, and Basil Orzo Pasta Salad - I cannot wait to try this recipe. It would make a great dinner with grilled chicken or salmon then leftovers would make a fab meal prepped lunch.
Greek Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies - Such an easy weeknight dinner that’s made in one pan that the kids will enjoy as well. My kids love to top with tzatziki.
Juicy Honey Mustard Chicken - This is a classic go-to for me whenever I can’t think of something to make. So simple and delish and you can serve with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Caprese Pesto Chicken Burgers - Peak summer meal right here. Juicy chicken burger patties with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto served alongside air fryer tater tots or sweet potato fries- the whole family will be asking for these on repeat.
❤️ 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’ve been a huge fan of this cellular hydration powder for a while and the new watermelon mint flavor is sooo good. With the combo of electrolytes, collagen, and hyaluronic acid- it has everything a woman needs.
I love gifting (and receiving) these sweet custom board books for babies and kids. My kids read them every single day and always brings them so much joy seeing their favorite people in a book.
Microplastic-free cutting boards are workhorses in my kitchen because I am always chopping and prepping and I just love them so much. They don’t move at all and easy to clean. Use code ANNWOO20 for a discount!
I wash my hair twice a week and dry shampoos are my best friend. I was skeptical of this new product since it sprays wet but yall…it’s some magic voodoo stuff. Truly one of the best (if not the best?!) dry shampoo I’ve ever used.
Jelly kitten heels are my new thing and these comes in 6 different colors!! So easy to pack for travel and so so comfy to wear.
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💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)
U.S. Mom Grateful to Grandparents for Helping Reduce Childcare Costs
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 - they are 3.5 and 1.5
Job: Medicine
Household income: $275K
Own or rent: Own $2000
Childcare or daycare expense: $375/month (Thank god for grandparents)
Recent purchase you regret: Slumber tot (100$)
Splurge and don’t regret: Trips with family!!
Best “mom sanity” splurge: Orange Theory 🍊
Weekly spend on kid stuff: Depends.. 300 or so
Weekly spend on groceries: $500
Managing family budget: Google Spreadsheet FTW
Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Buying things secondhand, diaper deals at Target, FSA for preschool
Money advice for other moms: Avoid taking your children into target at all costs
Most stressful thing as it relates to money: I feel like I will never leave my starter home with an interest rate of 2.5%!! Maybe one day 🤞🏼
Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ___.” Pay for premium Spotify and Netflix. Need to boycott asap!!!
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