Tag: lunch

Mother-Sense: The Legacy We Carry, The Wisdom We Give

by Mothersense, posted in Mental Health Recovery, Reclamation


As we approach Mother’s Day, my house feels a little fuller, the air a little thicker with memory, and my “Mother-Sense” is on high alert.


In the songwriting world, we talk about a “bridge”—that part of a song that connects where you’ve been to where you’re going. To me, that is exactly what motherhood is. It’s the bridge between the generations. It’s the radical hospitality of opening your heart to biological, bonus, and chosen children and saying, “There is a place for you here.”


More Than an Inheritance


I’ve been thinking a lot about legacy lately. In my “second half” of life, I’ve realized that the most valuable thing I can give my seven children and my three grandbabies isn’t something that can be kept in a bank or a box.


It’s Mother-Sense.


It’s that internal compass—the resilience to stand back up when life knocks your fence down, the intuition to know when a friend needs a quiet cup of coffee, and the bone-deep knowledge that they are loved, exactly as they are. It’s a functional, living tool kit for life.


The Reciprocal Song


People often say that mothers are the teachers, but if I’m honest, the song goes both ways.


My children have taught me more about courage than any lyric I’ve ever written.


They’ve shown me how to see the world through fresh eyes when mine were tired.


They’ve been the “steady anchors” in my own stormy seasons, reminding me that even when the melody changes, the foundation holds.


An Invitation to the Table


Whether you are a mother by birth, by marriage, or by choice, your “sense” is a superpower. It’s the wisdom that tells you when to hold on tight and when to let go so they can find their own rhythm. It’s the quiet strength that keeps the home fires burning, even when you’re busy building your own dreams and writing your own “second half.”


This Sunday, I won’t just be celebrating the title of “Mother.” I’ll be celebrating the resilience of every woman who has ever stepped into the gap, offered a hand, and shared her wisdom to light someone else’s path.


To my fellow mothers: What is one piece of ‘Mother-Sense’—that bit of hard-won wisdom—that you hope stays with your children forever? Let’s fill the comments with our collective legacy today

Budget friendly meals

by Mothersense, posted in This Life

Easy Recipes and Smart Shopping Tips

Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank! With a little planning and some easy recipes, you can enjoy nutritious meals without overspending. Here are three dinner recipes, three lunch ideas, and three breakfast-to-go options, along with tips on budgeting and shopping smartly. You do not have to overhaul your entre menu just add these to a standard rotation for some variety and check back later for more kid friendly foods that are good for you and your pocketbook!!

Dinner Recipes

  1. One-Pot Veggie Stir-Fry
    • Ingredients:
      • 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
      • 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
      • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
      • 1 tablespoon olive oil
      • Optional: tofu or chicken for added protein
    • Instructions:
      1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
      2. Add tofu or chicken if desired, and cook until protein is done.
      3. Add vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes.
      4. Stir in cooked rice or pasta and soy sauce; cook until heated through.

  1. Chicken and Vegetable Bake
    • Ingredients:
      • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
      • 2 cups mixed vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, and broccoli)
      • 2 tablespoons olive oil
      • Salt, pepper, and herbs (like thyme or rosemary) to taste
    • Instructions:
      1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
      2. In a baking dish, toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
      3. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

  1. Baked Potato Bar
    • Ingredients:
      • 4 medium potatoes
      • Toppings: Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, canned beans, steamed broccoli
    • Instructions:
      1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
      2. Bake potatoes for about 45 minutes or until tender.
      3. Serve with a variety of toppings for a customizable meal.

Lunch Ideas

  1. Pasta Salad
    • Ingredients:
      • 2 cups cooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
      • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
      • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
      • 1/4 cup Italian dressing
      • Optional: diced cheese or olives
    • Instructions:
      1. Toss all ingredients in a bowl and chill before serving.

  1. Hummus and Veggie Wrap
    • Ingredients:
      • Whole wheat wrap
      • 1/2 cup hummus
      • Assorted veggies (carrots, bell peppers, spinach)
    • Instructions:
      1. Spread hummus on the wrap, layer with veggies, roll up, and slice.

  1. Lentil Soup
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 cup lentils
      • 1 onion, diced
      • 2 carrots, diced
      • 4 cups vegetable broth
      • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • Instructions:
      1. In a pot, sauté onion and carrots until soft.
      2. Add lentils, broth, and cumin; bring to a boil.
      3. Simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Breakfast-to-Go Recipes

  1. Overnight Oats
    • Ingredients:
      • 1/2 cup rolled oats
      • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
      • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
      • Toppings: fruits, nuts, or honey
    • Instructions:
      1. Combine oats, milk, and chia seeds in a jar.
      2. Refrigerate overnight; add toppings before eating.

  1. Banana Pancake Bites
    • Ingredients:
      • 1 ripe banana
      • 2 eggs
      • 1/4 cup oats
    • Instructions:
      1. Mash banana and mix with eggs and oats.
      2. Cook small pancakes in a skillet; store for an easy grab-and-go option.

  1. Smoothie Packs
    • Ingredients:
      • Assorted frozen fruits (berries, bananas, spinach)
      • 1 cup yogurt or milk
    • Instructions:
      1. Pre-pack bags with your choice of frozen fruits.
      2. Blend with yogurt or milk in the morning for a quick breakfast.

Budgeting and Shopping Tips

  1. Plan Your Meals: Create a weekly meal plan before grocery shopping. This helps you avoid impulse buys and ensures you buy only what you need.
  2. Make a Shopping List: Stick to a list to keep your focus and reduce unnecessary purchases.
  3. Buy in Bulk: Purchase staple items like rice, pasta, and oats in bulk. They’re usually cheaper and last longer. You can also buy larger packages of meat and break it up into smaller sizes and store in freezer bags.
  4. Shop Seasonal: Fruits and vegetables that are in season tend to be cheaper and fresher.
  5. Look for Sales and Coupons: Check store flyers for weekly sales, and use coupons when possible. Apps for grocery stores can help you keep track of discounts. Fall is a good time when you can stock your pantry with many staples for the kitchen go on sale because of holiday baking and cooking.
  6. Use Frozen Produce: Frozen fruits and veggies are often less expensive and last longer than fresh ones, making them a great choice for budget meals.

By incorporating these recipes and tips into your routine, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals without straining your budget. Remember that food is our fuel for energy and brain foods are important! Happy cooking!

**Mom tip: If you have a picky eater, always suggest 2 bites of new foods, and keep doing it every time because our tastebuds change over time and kids will discover that they like things and surprise even themselves. Also works on grownups who claim to not like things, just give it 2 bites!!