"Grocery shopping with a toddler = comedy show"

Author

Cara Jorgensen
April 29, 2025

Hi friend,

Every once in a while, I make my way over to Aldi, thinking I’ll just “grab a few things.” It always sounds simple, right?

Well, one particular trip, I had Charlie strapped to my side and walked up to grab a cart — only to realize (cue dramatic music) I didn’t have a quarter.

A sweet lady noticed and asked if I needed one. I said yes, but after some searching, she realized she didn’t have one either! I thought, "No big deal, I only need a few things anyway…"

You can guess how that went. 😅

Five minutes later, I was juggling bananas, a loaf of bread, and a rogue pack of yogurt drinks, while Charlie tried to grab everything in arm’s reach. Honestly, I’ve done this twice now. Lesson officially learned: I now keep a secret Aldi quarter stashed in my car. Rookie no more!

Sometimes motherhood is just a series of these little victories. 💛

Spring Chicken and Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner
(gluten-free + dairy-free!)

Fresh spring veggies and juicy chicken thighs, all roasted together on one pan for easy cleanup.

🛒 Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless thighs)

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

  • 1 cup baby carrots, halved

  • 1 red onion, sliced

  • 1 lemon, sliced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt + pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. Toss chicken and veggies with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  3. Spread out on a baking sheet. Tuck lemon slices in between.

  4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and veggies are tender.

✨ Serve with a side of rice or roasted potatoes if you want something extra!

🗓️ Weekly Meal Ideas:

🍓 What’s In Season:

April Produce Spotlight:

  • Veggies: asparagus · peas · spinach · radishes

  • Fruits: strawberries · rhubarb · mango

✨ Try tossing fresh peas into pasta salads, or making an easy strawberry chia jam for toast!

⏱️ Time-Saving Tip:

Create a snack box for the car!
A little container with granola bars, pouches, crackers — and yes, maybe a backup quarter for Aldi trips. 😂

🍪 Quick Snack Idea:

5-Minute Strawberry Yogurt Bark
(dairy-free option: use coconut yogurt!)

  • Spread dairy-free yogurt on a tray

  • Top with sliced strawberries + mini chocolate chips

  • Freeze until firm, then break into pieces!

A perfect sweet-tart snack for warmer days.

Thanks for being here.
Life can feel a little chaotic sometimes (especially when you're carrying groceries and a toddler at the same time!), but these small, funny moments really do fill our days with joy. Here's to more laughter, more grace, and plenty of quarters tucked away just in case. 🥰

Talk soon,
Cara