One Recipe, One Review, One Reality Check
A real-life roundup of my week in review.
A slightly random mash-up of what’s been floating around my brain. I’m dedicating one post a week (or month — we’re flexible here) to things in life that feel share-worthy and actually useful in motherhood right now.
Because when shit hits the fan — which, let’s be honest, is often — it’s nice to know moms who don’t gatekeep the good stuff.
Each roundup will include:
A recipe I genuinely love (because thinking about meals, planning meals, shopping for ingredients, cooking, and cleaning up occupies an embarrassing amount of my mental space).
A product review of something actually helpful (unlike the 12 bottle brands you panic-bought before your firstborn that are still collecting dust in the back of your cabinet — go throw them out, now).
A reality check that hit me in the best way.
One Recipe
I am a dessert girl.
I used to indulge in ice cream daily. I baked professionally. I still raid the kids’ Halloween haul. Sugar is basically part of my personality.
But lately, I’ve been trying to scale back slightly and increase my protein intake without feeling like I’m eating “diet food.” I found a recipe I genuinely love and keep reaching for when my sweet tooth hits, which is often.
Yes, it uses yogurt. Don’t roll your eyes. It’s actually delicious.
If you make it, tell me… I’d love your feedback or tweaks! I’ve made three batches already and plan to experiment with new flavors soon.
Recipe: Chocolate Protein Cloud Bites
Ingredients
1 cup Greek yogurt (higher protein vanilla works great)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp cocoa powder
Pinch sea salt
Chocolate coating
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (always dark)
1 tbsp coconut oil
Optional: crushed nuts or coconut flakes
Steps
Add all ingredients to a bowl (warm peanut butter first so it blends smoothly).
Line a baking sheet and scoop into bite-sized rounds.
Freeze 1–2 hours until firm.
Melt chocolate and coconut oil in 25-second intervals, stirring between.
Dip frozen bites in chocolate and top with nuts.
Freeze again until set.
Store in freezer and grab when needed.
If you make 16 bites:
115-ish calories
4–5g protein
Not a protein bar replacement — but significantly more balanced than a handful of chocolate chips straight from the pantry (no judgment).
You could even increase the protein by:
Using high-protein yogurt
Adding 1 scoop of protein powder
Swapping in powdered peanut butter
One Review
I love finding new bathtime products and am planning a full roundup soon. I’m always on the hunt for options that are safe, gentle, and actually fun.
One longtime favorite is SheaMoisture Kids Extra-Nourishing Conditioner (mango + carrot scent). It smells so good you’ll be sniffing your toddler’s head all day — and possibly stealing some for your own shower.
Recently, family-owned brand Dabble & Dollop sent over a few products to test, and we’ve been having fun incorporating them into bath time.
What I appreciate most: their products are formulated without harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes, or artificial fragrances.
We tried:
Sweet Treat Mini Bath Bombs — dessert-inspired minis in cocoa, vanilla, and whipped cream scents. McQueen (hot cocoa enthusiast) was thrilled, and the bathroom smelled like warm chocolate.
Strawberry Bubble Bath, Body Wash & Shampoo — a gentle 3-in-1 that bubbles beautifully without the overpowering scent.
Cherry on Top Detangling Duo — perfect for Baby McQueen’s surprisingly curly, constantly syrup-sticky hair. The lightweight leave-in spray smooths knots without silicones or sulfates.
One Reality Check
New is nice — but secondhand is where it’s at.
I understand the thrill of finding the perfect baby blanket — the one you imagine following them to college, tattered and beloved.
But in a world where kids outgrow shoes faster than I can binge a new Netflix series, hand-me-downs are a game changer.
I’ve always swapped within my friend circle — passing along snowsuits, bamboo onesies that cost more than a weekly fruit haul, and special pieces once they’re outgrown.
But this past year I started attending a local clothing swap where dozens of moms donate gently used newborn–5T items and leave with a bag full of new-to-them treasures.
It’s community. It’s sustainability. It’s one less invisible task on our plates.
At the last swap, I saw a mom lift a tiny 6-month sweater that once belonged to my daughter. A baby balanced on her hip, juggling her world. She smiled at it.
“That used to be my daughter’s,” I told her.
Her eyes lit up imagining her little girl growing into it.
“You should take it,” I said.
She tucked it into her bag.
I lingered in that moment. That sweater will witness new memories, new adventures. I left with a full bag and a full heart.
Buy less. Stress less about what’s “in.” Spend more energy on the tiny humans wearing the clothes.
If they’re warm, clean, snack-fed, and have your attention — they’re set.
