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State of the Wooed (+Recipes, Confessions & Finds You’ll Love)

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

Author

Ann Woo
September 08, 2025

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

Before we dive into dinner recipe ideas, an anonymous money confessional from a Utah mom, and my favorite finds of the week, I just want to take a second to say THANK YOU for opening this newsletter today (and over the past 13 weeks)!

Starting this weekly email has truly reignited my love for creating. After pushing hard on social (so many viral videos 😮‍💨) and development in 2023 (hello, 100 recipes by year’s end!) and going through four straight years of pregnancy → postpartum → pregnancy → postpartum, my mind and body have felt like they’ve been in constant flux. Managing this brand while working a full time job and having two littles has been hard but so fulfilling and if you’re in the same boat, just know we’re in the thick of it!

For the first time in a long time, I finally feel like I can breathe again and this newsletter has been a huge part of that joy. We’re nearing 1,000 subscribers (!!), and as a thank-you, I’ll be doing a special giveaway soon. You’re already entered just by being here, so forward this along to a friend if you think they’d love it too. <3

Going forward, I’ll keep focusing on inspiring you in the kitchen especially with healthy, whole meals your kids and family will love. Quick breakfasts, school lunch ideas, and easy yummy dinners are what I want to focus on. Honestly, I’ve been a madwoman in the kitchen lately and I can’t wait to share all the new recipes with you soon.

From last week’s poll: 45% of you said packing school lunches is “fine,” and 23% said you need all the inspo. Say less- I’ve been posting way more lunchbox ideas on Instagram (@wooedbythefood) and will keep them coming.

And because I love hearing from all 985 of you, tap the poll at the end to tell me your favorite cooking tool. Mine? The MadeIn stovetop griddle I impulse-bought at 2 a.m. during a breastfeeding session. (No regrets.) Though, let’s be honest, the air fryer will always be my ride-or-die.

Let’s get into it:

🍽️ What’s for Dinner

  • Vegetable Beef Soup - Prep this the day before or over the weekend and simply reheat for a fast and hearty dinner. Love that the beef is so tender, which is perfect for baby led weaning.

  • Crockpot Lasagna - I’ve always loved lasagna, but honestly, I never have time (or patience) for all that layering. That’s why I’m excited about this ‘deconstructed’ slow cooker version that pretty much does it all for you. I know my kids will love this too.

  • Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas - Minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Upgrade Taco Tuesday with this recipe!

  • Air Fried Salmon Nuggets - This might be the easiest salmon recipe you’ll ever make! It’s perfect for little ones served as is, and for adults, just add it to a bowl with greens, grains, and whatever toppings your heart desires for a quick and healthy meal.

  • Creamy Garlic Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta - For extra protein, add chicken breast to this simple pasta dish. It’s an easy upgrade that makes it even more satisfying for the whole family.

❤️ 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: Whenever the house feels overwhelming with endless chores, I like to fire up as many ‘machines’ as I can. Laundry? Washer’s going. Dishes? Dishwasher’s humming. Air purifier, vacuum, and of course, music on the Sonos. It feels so good knowing everything’s running and helping me get things done!

  • Mom Product: Grab everything shown above here! I’m all about budget-friendly comfort and I take my research seriously.

  • Kid Product: My one year old squeals with excitement every time she sees her little pink car. We love going on family walks together and it’s been a nice change of scenery having her in the car while my 3.5 year old is on his bike! Currently on sale here.

💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)

Utah Mom’s Simple Trick for Mindful Grocery Shopping

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 kids, 3 year old and 1.5 year old

  • Job: Registered Nurse

  • Household Income: $160K

  • Own or rent: Own- $3,600/month

  • Childcare or daycare expense: $2,700/month

  • Splurge and don’t regret: Ring upgrade- $6,300

  • Best “mom sanity” splurge: Chiropractor and massage

  • Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $100

  • Weekly spend on groceries: $150-200

  • Most spent on a kid party: $150

  • Purchase that you don’t tell your partner about: Face masks, $100

  • Saving for your kids college tuitions: No

  • Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: Habit of savings

  • Managing family budget: Write a monthly expense report to keep track of bills or income

  • Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: Off season sales for next year’s clothing

  • Money advice for other moms: Cash for grocery shopping. You are more mindful of selecting ‘must need’ groceries

  • Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow ____.” survive

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 go-to cooking tool?

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