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Easy Weeknight Meals to Start January Strong

Easy Weeknight Meals to Start January Strong

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

Ann Woo
January 05, 2026

In partnership with

Happy Monday! Today is going to be a great day and I’m so glad you’re here. 🥰

According to last week’s poll, 35% of you said you’re setting New Year’s resolutions. I’ve learned that year-long goals can feel overwhelming, so I prefer setting smaller, monthly goals that feel more realistic and measurable.

For January, I’m doing a dry month because I’ve been feeling blah and bloated after a very indulgent Q4. I haven’t done a dry January in a few years, so I’m actually looking forward to giving my body a reset.

Another focus this month is cooking easier, more efficient meals using my new non-toxic air fryer. I’m starting a series on my Instagram if you want to follow along!

Is there anything you’re focusing on this month? I need to get organized as well, but maybe that’ll be a goal for February. 😅 I’d love to hear from all 1,176 of you in the poll at the end!

Let’s get into it:

Dry January Just Got Way More Delicious and Uplifting 🍸✨

January doesn’t have to feel dull or restrictive. It’s a chance to reset, feel amazing, and still enjoy the ritual of a great drink. Enter Vesper, Pique’s newest release—and my favorite upgrade to Dry January.

Pique is known for blending ancient botanicals with modern science to create elevated wellness essentials, and Vesper is no exception. This non-alcoholic, adaptogenic aperitif delivers the relaxed, social glow of a cocktail—without alcohol or the next-day regret.

It’s what I reach for when I want something special in my glass. Each sip feels celebratory and calming, with a gentle mood lift, relaxed body, and clear, present mind. No haze. No sleep disruption. Just smooth, grounded ease.

Crafted with L-theanine, lemon balm, gentian root, damiana, and elderflower, Vesper is sparkling, tart, and beautifully herbaceous—truly crave-worthy.

Dry January isn’t about giving things up. It’s about discovering something better. And Vesper makes every pour feel like a yes.

Get 10% off for life

🍽️ What’s for Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Wings - With football playoffs around the corner, this recipe is a total game-day win. I made it this weekend and it was a hit with both kids and adults. Toss the wings in whatever sauce you love once they’re done.
One-Pot Veggie-Loaded Tex-Mex Taco Pasta - Loving this gluten-free, one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. After the holidays and all the flu going around, I’ve been focusing on adding more veggies and leafy greens to our family’s meals.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole - I have a jar of Alfredo sauce to use up, and this recipe looks like the perfect fit. Since my kids love broccoli, I make the most of it and add it in as often as possible.
Classic Shrimp Scampi - One of those classic meals that’s simple to make and perfect for winter comfort food. Serve it with angel hair pasta and it’s a hit with my kids every time.
Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Supper - It doesn’t get simpler than a sheet pan meal with chicken sausage for a busy weeknight. I swap in whatever vegetables I have, and it’s always a hit.

❤️ 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!).

This merino wool coat is the newest resident in my closet and I’m obsessed. So warm and comfortable with the perfect length I’ve been looking for and at such a great price. Let’s be twins!
If you are going to follow along my air fryer series, you’ll be seeing this non-toxic air fryer a lot. I’ve been eyeing a glass one for a while now but hadn’t found the perfect product until this big boy. There are various sizes and it does not take up much space!
Everyone needs a cashmere sweater this winter and this is it. Incredible price and material- you’ll love it.
I’ve been bringing the best chips ever as hostess gifts everywhere I go. They have the freshest, most authentic flavor and they are the perfect chips for nachos. Use code ANNWOO for 20% off!

💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)

Boston Mom Spills All The Tea

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: 32
Kids: 2 kids - 3.5yo and 1.5yo
Job: Manager in healthcare
Side hustle: Selling random things on facebook
Household Income: $170,000
Own or rent: Own. Mortage $3k, HOA $400
Childcare or daycare expense: 3.5yo: $2k for 3days/week. 1.5yo: free nannying from grandparents
Recent purchase you regret: Birch mattress $1500. Hurting our backs after year 1 year :(((( tried Saatva, Avocado, etc and none worked. Need rec!
Splurge and don’t regret: House cleaner, $150 biweekly. So worth it and I wanna increase the frequency (maybe once per week) but husband vetoed
Best “mom sanity” splurge: Gym membership $280/month and I spend 3-4 hours there Mon & Fri morning, pure bliss!!
Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $50-100 between bakery, indoor playground, random treat, etc
Weekly spend on groceries: $200-250. Food cost is insane!!!
Most spent on a kid party: None, have never hosted a birthday party and maybe never will (we, the parents, are extreme introverts). The 3.5yo is lobbying hard though
Purchase that you don’t tell your partner about: Taking my coworkers out to eat once or twice monthly for ~$100 each time. Grab solo take out lunch occasionally
Saving for your kids college tuitions: Yes, husband and grandparents do this stuff so I don’t know the details
Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: Investing money instead of leaving it in a saving account. Growing in Vietnam, the financial system and culture were different, but I wish I knew about investing (stock, funds, bonds, etc) earlier
Managing family budget: Keeping grocery bill at $250 max weekly and mostly cook at home (expensive Boston + husband has severe food allergies + 2 kids = we eat out as a family maybe once every 2-3 weeks).
Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Hands me down clothes, toy rental (highly recommend Toyary if you are in Boston!), library free books & events
Money advice for other moms: Don't go crazy buying new and expensive things for your (especially first) kid. They all eventually will be covered in poo or vomit. A kid doesn’t care about $20 vs $5 onesie :)
Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow _______.” Live comfortably without working crazy hours in the crazy expensive Boston

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