Hey Friend,

You know what's been such a joy lately? Charlie and I have been to the zoo twice in the last couple of weeks, and it was so sweet to see him gaze at all the animals and get genuinely excited about the monkeys. His eyes lit up when he saw the Snow Monkeys—he kept pointing and making little excited squeals. But honestly? I think the bubble machine they had running might have been an even bigger hit. He chased those bubbles around like they were the most fascinating thing in the world!

Being a stay-at-home mom has been such a gift—especially for moments like these at the zoo. I love having the chance to be there for his discoveries, whether it’s squealing at the monkeys or chasing bubbles with all the focus in the world. I’m not exactly letting him lead the way (he’d head straight for the lions’ pen if I did 😅), but being right beside him as he explores has been such a joy. The kid is just so fun and has the best smile.

That said, let's be real—my patience has definitely been tested lately! Charlie's discovering he has opinions about everything, and his fight for getting his way isn't always easy to navigate. Yesterday's meltdown over wearing shoes nearly broke me, but somehow we made it through. I guess that's parenting, right? The most rewarding and challenging job all wrapped up in one adorable, stubborn little package.

🍂 Featured Recipe – Ina Garten's Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Serves 6-8

I just discovered this cozy recipe from the Barefoot Contessa and it looks absolutely perfect for fall! Ina's chicken pot pie soup turns the classic pot pie into a comforting soup with tarragon, fennel and puff pastry croutons—genius, right?

From: Barefoot Contessa

Why it looks amazing: It has all the comfort of chicken pot pie but in soup form—perfect for these cooler September evenings. I'm betting Charlie will love picking out the carrots, and anything that promises to make the kitchen smell like pure comfort is a winner in my book. Plus, Ina never steers us wrong! 👩‍🍳

📅 Weekly Meal Ideas

Here's some inspiration to take the stress out of dinner planning:

• Monday: Ina's Chicken Pot Pie Soup

• Tuesday: Leftover soup with grilled cheese

• Wednesday: Pioneer Woman's Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Supper (so easy!)

• Thursday: Ina's Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel

• Friday: Pioneer Woman's Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken (feels fancy but so simple!)

• Saturday: Grilled burgers with sweet potato fries

• Sunday: Pioneer Woman's Lemon-Thyme Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes (perfect Sunday dinner!)

🥜 Quick Snack – No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Perfect for toddler snacks and mom fuel!

They're packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, flaxseed, coconut, peanut butter, and just the right touch of sweetness. I love these because they take just 10 minutes to prep, can last 2 weeks in the fridge.

Recipe inspiration from: Gimme Some Oven and Well Plated

🍂 What's in Season (September Spotlight)

🍎 Apples • 🎃 Early Pumpkins • 🥕 Carrots • 🌽 Sweet Corn • 🥬 Leafy Greens • 🫐 Late Summer Berries

Perfect timing for apple picking adventures and pumpkin patch visits with Charlie!

Best,
Cara