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And the winner is...

For moms who manage money, meals, and the messy middle.

Author

Ann Woo
September 22, 2025

Happy Monday!
I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰 

I’m writing this from Virginia Beach, where I’m spending the next few days on a work trip. Leaving town for work is always tough and not just because I miss my family, but because of everything that has to happen before I go. Between writing out lunch and snack box instructions, prepping meals to make things easier for my husband (mostly for my own peace of mind), catching up on laundry, and making sure the week is set up to run smoothly… the past day and a half has been a whirlwind. But now that I’m here, I can finally breathe knowing everyone’s taken care of back home. I’m interested if other travel-for-work moms feel the same way? Reply to this email!

In last week’s poll, 38% of you said you check your texts the most throughout the day. One thing that’s helped me with this is setting up a custom Focus mode on my iPhone that’s triggered by location. When I arrive at my office, my phone automatically switches to “Do Not Disturb,” and the only notifications I allow through are from my kid’s school. It’s been a game changer for staying focused—just a little tip I wanted to share!

Congrats to kris**@gmail.com for winning the 1000 subscriber giveaway!! Please check your email and thanks again to all of YOU for being here 😀 Can’t wait to do another giveaway at 5,000 subscribers!

Each week when I put together the recipe recommendations, I try to mix up the protein options to give you all a variety. But now I want to hear from all 1,017 of you — what’s your go-to protein? Let me know in the poll at the end!

Let’s get into it:

🍽️ What’s for Dinner

  • Chipotle Quinoa Casserole with Chicken - I actually can’t believe I haven’t shared this recipe yet because it’s my trusty meal prep go-to. I just made it for my family before heading out of town, and it’s also my favorite dish to bring to friends with new babies.

  • Puff Pastry Pizza - Easy sheet pan meal that you could use with whatever toppings you have on hand! Kids LOVE puff pastry recipes.

  • Wine Braised Beef with Mushrooms - My friend made a similar dish over the weekend and it was SO good. Perfect fall dinner option and would be easy to make ahead of time and just reheat on a busy weeknight!

  • Caprese Grilled Chicken - I know we just got over tomato season but this recipe looks so easy and would be so good with spaghetti.

  • Air Fryer Halibut - I love halibut because it’s a nutritious and delicious fish that is mild and so easy to cook. You’ll love this simple recipe that can be served with rice and veggies.

❤️ 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!).

💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)

A Maine Teacher’s Guide to Balancing Family Expenses and Personal Splurges

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: 30

  • Kids: 2- 3 year old and 3 month old

  • Job: Teacher

  • Household Income: $130,000

  • Own or rent: Own- $1,700/month

  • Childcare or daycare expense: $1,200/month

  • Recent purchase you regret: Middle of the night purchases of transitional swaddles during baby’s sleep regression

  • Splurge and don’t regret: Nuuly subscription (approx. $100 a month)

  • Best “mom sanity” splurge: Take out

  • Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $50

  • Weekly spend on groceries: $125

  • Most spent on a kid party: $150

  • Saving for your kids college tuitions: Not yet, they have assets from family members. Hoping to add to it monthly once done paying daycare

  • Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: Making and following a budget

  • Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Second hand stores or apps like Mercari! I also shop lots of sales and buy bigger sizes ahead of time.

  • Money advice for other moms: Go bulk! We save on our weekly grocery bill by shopping Sam’s Club for bulk snacks and household goods.

  • Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ____.” Have too much stuff in my house

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 favorite go-to protein?

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