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5 Dinners to Simplify Your Week + September Intentions
For moms who manage money, meals, and the messy middle.
Ann Woo
August 25, 2025
Happy Monday!
I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰
Welcome back to another week packed with delicious recipes, a candid money confession from an Austin mom, and all the mom recommendations!
I hope the back-to-school season is off to a smooth start for those of you who are already in the swing of it. My kids have been loving being back, and honestly, I’m loving getting some work done without a little one in my lap!
My kids being cute with their clean new clothes that’s immediately about to get dirty at school.
I can’t believe Labor Day weekend is already here. This summer seriously flew by! Now, it really feels like fall is in full swing. In last week’s poll, 69% of you said that crisp morning air is your favorite sign that autumn is on its way. I totally agree! I love the changing seasons for so many reasons. It’s the perfect time to set new goals, reset intentions, and focus on what I want to accomplish.
Here are some goal-setting tips for a September reset:
Start small & specific: Think “walk 3x/week” instead of “get healthy.”
Focus on one thing: One goal > five half-done ones.
Set “feel” goals: Want calmer mornings? Try prepping the night before.
Schedule it: Add it to your calendar like any other commitment.
Make it yours: Choose goals that actually serve you and not just what you should do.
Alongside a few professional goals I’ve set for the fall, I also wanted to add something just for fun. My husband signed up for a weekly pickleball league, and it inspired me to commit to something of my own so a few friends and I started a weekly Mahjong group! I’ve only played once before, but I’m already hooked and excited to have something to look forward to that’s just for me. I feel like this is really easy for us to forget to do as moms.
I want to hear from all 916 of you in the poll at the end if you have any September goals!
Let’s get into it:
🍽️ What’s for Dinner
Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs - This meal got a “can you make this again tomorrow?” from my toddler so I think that says it all! I marinated the chicken, then seared them on our stovetop griddle to save time. Served with roasted veggies, and it turned out to be an absolute winner.
Healthy Tater Tot Casserole with Beef and Lentils - High-protein, high-fiber, and kid-friendly? That’s the dream combo, baby.
Pistachio-Crusted Salmon - My 3.5-year-old loves pistachios and salmon, so this one’s sure to be a hit. Pair it with rice and sautéed green beans for a complete, balanced meal.
Arayes - I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but I’m excited to and it looks incredibly easy and perfect for feeding a crowd of kids and adults. It’s basically seasoned meat stuffed into pitas and served with a creamy yogurt sauce. Sounds delicious!
One Skillet Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Orzo - One-skillet meals are a weeknight lifesaver, and this hearty, comforting recipe delivers on all fronts. Looking for an oven-baked rice version? You’re going to love this one.
❤️ What I’m Recommending
This section 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!).
Mom Hack: Labor Day isn’t just for cookouts- it’s also the perfect time to shop smart. Think ahead: snag deals on out-of-season essentials and the next size up in kids’ clothes now while prices are low. Also, don’t forget to treat yoself.
Mom Content: Your annual reminder that now is the perfect time to start your millionth rewatch of Gilmore Girls because nothing says fall vibes quite like it. It’s the perfect background cooking show.
Mom Product: I get asked all the time about the meal trays I use for my kids and for good reason! I’ve been using them for almost 3 years and still love them. The compartments are perfect for portioning, they hold a great amount of food, and they’re super easy to clean. I’m even using them now for my one-year-old. You can grab them here!
💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)
Mom of Two in Austin Regrets Not Learning About College Funds Earlier, But Plans to Pay Tuition Out of Pocket
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: mid-30s
Kids: 2 boys, 2.5 year old and 14 month old
Job: Doctor
Side hustle: Doctor side hustle- $1500
Household Income: $700K
Own or rent: Own- $7500
Childcare or daycare expense: $2000/mo
Recent purchase you regret: $100 bottle of wine
Splurge and don’t regret: Bought a boat for my husband
Best “mom sanity” splurge: Monthly massage and facial at high end spa
Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $100
Weekly spend on groceries: $125
Most spent on a kid party: $700
Purchase that you don’t tell your partner about: Anything my amex platinum card gives me a reward for - luxury underwear, clothes
Saving for your kids college tuitions: No, expect we’ll be able to pay out of pocket at that time or kids will get scholarship
Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: To consider college funds
Managing family budget: We’re overall pretty frugal and don’t limit each others purchases since we’re both trustworthy and reasonable. but we do run big purchases by each other first out of respect and being on the same page
Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Costco, shopping in bulk, buying clearance at Target
Money advice for other moms: Don’t spend on unnecessary things if you can avoid it. ask yourself if you truly need this or if it will add value to your life or your day. like do i really need starbucks today? or can i bring my own drip coffee to work? can i skip nails this week? pack snacks, pack your own lunches, prepare ahead so you’re not buying pricey snacks for kids at activities, etc. a little bit of forethought and preparation saves you a lot of money. resist the insignificant temptation purchases that add up like starbucks, lunch at work, extra drinks. save for the big things. but if it adds value or you absolutely need it and it makes you happy, then GO FOR IT
Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ____.” treat myself and make sure my kids are taken care of
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
✅ This Week’s Mom Poll
What’s your top September goal as a busy mom? |
