Wooed
Posts
Your Fave Recipes of 2025

Your Fave Recipes of 2025

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

Ann Woo
December 29, 2025

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

As I reflect on this last Monday of 2025, I’m feeling incredibly grateful. I sent my very first newsletter on June 9, and since then:

• 28,800 words have been written
• 25,730 emails have been delivered
• and 19,458 emails have been opened.

When I decided to start this newsletter, I had a very specific mom in mind:

the busy mom who wants to feed her family healthy, delicious meals without spending hours searching for recipes
the budget-conscious mom always on the lookout for products that genuinely make life easier
and the curious mom who enjoys finance inspiration and seeing how other families save and spend.

I’m so thankful that you’ve chosen to spend a few minutes with me every Monday over the past six months. It truly means more than I can say, and I’m excited to keep making this time even more valuable for you.

I love setting New Year’s resolutions before the year begins. It helps me create clear goals and guidelines for myself. In 2026, I’m aiming to show up more consistently and more intentionally in every role I hold: as a parent, a wife, and a business owner.

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I’d love to hear from all 1,172 of you in the poll at the end!

Your Favorite Recipes of 2025

Let’s get into it:

🍽️ What’s for Dinner

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps - I love this recipe for a fun lunch or an easy dinner. Serve it as is for kids or with rice.
Broccoli “Cheddar” Chicken Meatballs and Rice - This recipe is a total win for kids and a dream for parents. It looks and sounds delicious!
Steak, Avocado, and Corn Kale Salad with Jalapeño Lime Dressing - I’m trying to add more leafy greens to my meals after not eating as many vegetables lately, and this recipe includes so many of my favorite ingredients.
Greek Orzo Skillet with Chicken - I’m fully in my chickpea era. Chickpeas are an awesome source of protein and fiber, and this one-skillet recipe looks incredible with its minimal yet delicious ingredients.
Baked Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken - I had a can of pineapple chunks in my pantry, and this recipe is exactly what I was looking for. I love the sweet-savory combo of pineapple, and this one nails it.

❤️ 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!).

The top three products I shared in 2025 were my fave pool/activity bag, the best toddler pillow, and this sweater tee that is such a good basic for work!
I loved wearing this classic LBD with a fun feather trim to a black tie event recently and got so many compliments on it. Super comfortable to wear and it’s on sale right now! Paired with slingback pumps and a green Chanel purse for a pop of color.
My 10-minute nightly ritual with this LED therapy mask has been something I look forward to every night. It’s so easy to wind down before bed knowing I’m boosting collagen production and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Also love this cute pajama set!

💸 In This Economy? (Mom’s Version)

Mom from North Richland Hills, TX Loves Hydrafacials and Weekly Grocery Delivery Service

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: 37
Kids: Yes! 2 two girls (just turned 4 & 8 months)
Job: SAHM (Former TV producer) and husband owns a pool company and has a card consignment business
Household Income: $400K
Own or rent: Own. $3,200 a month
Childcare or daycare expense: $375 a month
Recent purchase you regret: Mahjong table ($250)- they have cheaper ones but I wanted cup holders. It’s too small
Splurge and don’t regret: Hydrafacial- $275
Best “mom sanity” splurge: Grocery delivery service every week
Weekly “kid stuff” spend: $50-$100 (depends if I hit up target though cause mama blacks out there)
Weekly spend on groceries: $200
Most spent on a kid party: Just spent $350 and most I’ve spent is probably $800?
Purchase that you don’t tell your partner about: I’m not a big spender so no secrets whenever I do
Saving for your kids college tuitions: Yes! We have multiple savings accounts for the kiddos. The grandparents opened 529 funds for each and we contribute every month.
Something financial you wish your parents had taught you: My parents are amazing with money/investing. They taught me a lot and continue to do so. I do wish I paid more attention to how my mom does her research for their portfolios. She lives in another state now. If I had been smart, I would have sat with her and learned that more.
Managing family budget: We don’t really have a system. We’re both not big spenders so our monthly spending is pretty consistent overall.
Great ways to save money on kid-related expenses: We have a great community so we do a lot of park dates, library meet ups and play dates at each others houses.
Money advice for other moms: Don’t just let your money sit. Get a financial adviser or do your research to learn how to make your money work for you.
Finish the sentence: “In this economy, I still somehow _______.” Buy organic

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