One Recipe, One Review, One Reality Check
A real-life roundup from the messy middle of motherhood
So — a bit of a random mash-up of the things currently floating around in my brain. I’m dedicating one post a week (or month, depending on the chaos level) to things that feel worth sharing — little wins that are actually working in motherhood right now.
Because when shit hits the fan — which, let’s be real, is often — it’s nice to know other mommas aren’t gatekeeping the good stuff.
In each roundup, I’ll share:
A recipe I actually made (and liked),
A product I’ve tested (and would genuinely recommend to a friend),
And a reality check — because none of this matters without a little honesty.
One Recipe
Ok — if I hadn’t mentioned before: I live in New York. Not the city. Been there, done that. Missed it wildly. Visited post-kids… and hate to admit I miss it a lot less now, which feels like a tiny betrayal of my former self. But that’s a story for another post.
I’m telling you this because we had an unseasonably cool, rainy day last week — the kind that smelled like fall and made me want to light a candle and wear fuzzy socks. So I dusted off the crock pot (because Instapot girlies, I’ve tried… and failed), and made one of my go-to comfort meals:
Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili by The Chunky Chef
It’s cozy, forgiving, and full of flavor. I use chicken thighs (they shred beautifully), and if you forget an ingredient — no worries. Swap beans for whatever you’ve got in the pantry.
Pro tip for recipe-skimmers (hello, undiagnosed adult ADHD): don’t add the cream cheese and half-and-half until the last hour.
Top with all the shredded cheese your heart desires. The limit does not exist.
And if you’re like me and carbs are a love language, serve it over white rice or elbow pasta. Trust.
One Review
I love when a product actually lives up to the hype — and even more, I love sharing it with other moms so they don’t waste time or money.
You know the drill — 3 hours lost in review rabbit holes trying to figure out if it’s a real mom talking or a robot named “Kelly” who definitely doesn’t have a toddler at home.
So here’s one to add to your list before summer ends:
Ear Pro – The only spray that prevents swimmer’s ear before it starts.
Why I love it:
It saves us doctor visits. Two quick sprays form an invisible, water-repellent barrier (like sunscreen for your ears!) so water can’t linger and bacteria can’t grow. No infections = fewer co-pays = one less meltdown in the pediatrician’s office.
It’s safe and natural. Medical-grade mineral oil + organic oregano oil. Safe for newborns (0+) and works for adults too.
No plugs, no drama. Just spray and go. No bulky ear plugs or tears from your toddler refusing to wear them.
One Reality Check
Tonight, my one-year-old and three-year-old had s’mores for dinner.
No, we don’t do that every night. Yes, I normally try to sneak in veggies and offer balanced options. But tonight? Surrender.
It made me reflect on how anxious I used to be when feeding my first. The schedules. The rules. The worry. And now? I’m learning to loosen the grip.
Veteran moms will tell you: the more kids you have, the more you realize you can’t control the chaos — you can only surrender to it.
And honestly? It was kind of magic.
We sat by the fire pit — five feet from our back door — and watched our son pretend he was camping in the wilderness. Sticky, chocolate-covered fingers. Gooey smiles. Laughter echoing under the fading summer light.
And then? A warm bath. A cozy bed. Two happy, loved, and very full kids.
Sometimes it’s okay to break the rules. To serve joy instead of broccoli.
Surrender, mama. It’s going to be okay.
