Dinner this Week

When I’m feeling motivated, I plan our family meals for the week—this is one of those weeks! 🙂 Here’s what’s on the menu: a mix of new recipes I’m excited to try and some I’m just winging! I’ve included links to the ingredients to make shopping easier.

Lemon Pasta 🍋 by Yumna Jawad 

My husband and I are pasta lovers, so I’m always on the hunt for easy recipes. This one has quickly become a favorite! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. I’ve linked the recipe and a grocery list to make it easy.

Shop the ingredients:

Rummo Bucatini Pasta No. 6

Parmesan Grated, 365 by Whole Foods

Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Minced Garlic, Iberia

Parsley Flakes, Happy Belly – Amazon Brand 

Course Black Pepper, McCormick

Lemon Juice, 365 by Whole Foods

Grilling makes weeknight meals a breeze! I recently found this tasty smash burger recipe and can’t wait to try it. I’ve linked the recipe and grocery list below.

Homemade Smash Burgers 🍔 by Hey Grill Hey

Shop the ingredients:

85/15 Ground Chuck 

American Cheese Slices

Hamburger Buns

Yellow onion

Clarified Butter (aka Ghee)

Mayonnaise 

Dill pickles 

BBQ sauce 

Tacos are another easy meal that often make it into our rotation! I usually serve them with rice to round out the meal, but I like to keep things simple.

Shop the ingredients:

Ground Beef

Ortega Taco Seasoning 

Tortilla Shells

Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese

Ortega Taco Sauce

Rice

On Fridays, I usually skip cooking and we order takeout from a local spot. I also set aside one day for leftovers, which helps us get through the week of meals!

I hope you enjoy these meals and that they help take the guesswork out of meal planning this week!

Just a heads-up: I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links here, but don’t worry—it doesn’t cost you anything extra!

Simplify Parenthood

The early days of parenthood can be overwhelming and daunting. You’re adjusting to a new routine, worrying about your baby’s development, and coping with sleep deprivation — the list goes on!

One of the most frustrating and overwhelming aspects for new parents is figuring out what ‘stuff’ you actually need. I have news for you— less is more. Below is a curated a list of essential products you will actually use and love!

Please note, as an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

My Favorite Coffee Picks

My love for coffee started at a young age, with memories of my mom drinking her cups of coffee all day, every day. I would find her forgotten mugs, half-drunk, all around the house. Left there with the intention of being finished, but ultimately abandoned because someone needed mom. It was inevitable that her love and obsession would be passed down to her daughter.

So here I am, a thirty-something, coffee-obsessed mom and wife. In my college days, I wasn’t as picky about which type of coffee I would drink. But now, as I have matured, I must admit, I prefer a specific level of quality. I should also add that I am a regular coffee drinker; black coffee is all I will drink—no creamer, no milk, no sugar.

With this being said, I have now converted my husband, and our household typically has two types of coffee. Since we go through quite a bit, our “economical choice” is usually purchased from Costco to help offset the budget. But in addition to the Costco coffee, we also buy from Schuil Coffee Company, a local coffee roaster in our area. They are a specialty coffee roaster who uses Fair Trade premium roasted coffee beans.

So now I am sharing my beloved coffee brand with you. Here a few favorites of mine that can be found on Amazon!

Please note, as an Amazon Associate I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Essentials for the First 2 years

As a stay-at-home mom, I’m always looking for products to help make my life a little easier. I feel it’s only fair to share with other parents who are looking for advice as well😊

Here are my top 10 products I recommend for parents that I have used since my daughter was born!

Yogasleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine: This should be number 1 on your list! Super convenient, lightweight and easy to take anywhere…and I mean anywhere 😅 car, airplane, boat you name it!

Diaper Genie Complete Diaper Pail : We were gifted this at our baby shower & I am so glad we got one. At first I thought it was silly, but honestly it’s way better than throwing the diapers in your everyday trash and it helps keep the odors in as well. Highly recommend!

Diaper Genie Essentials Pail Refills: I’ve tried several different brands and ultimately I always come back to the original Diaper Genie brand.

NICETOWN 100% Blackout Window Curtains: Babies LOVE a dark room. Since sleep is also essential to parents, blackout curtains are worth the investment.

Contigo Kids Straw WaterBottle with AutoSpout: Any waterbottle will work, but this one is my favorite! It is spill proof & super easy to use. My daughter can even pop open the straw to get a drink. Plus you can just throw it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Jellycat Bashful Toffee Puppy: Any stuffed animal will do, but get your little one something soft & squishy they can love on! Trust me, it will come in handy when your child needs some extra comfort.

Suekaphin 5 pack Nursing Bra: Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, you will want to have nursing bras on hand. I wouldn’t recommend spending a fortune on one bra either because you’ll wear them A LOT & probably need to replace them after a few months anyways.

Schuil Whole Bean Coffee: Pick your poison, but caffeine is a must! I’m fueled by coffee so I keep a huge stockpile of my favorite brand.

Remember to Breath: Being a parent is a lot, but remember these moments are fleeting and it is so so worth it!

Lastly, and this is the most important item…

Your Favorite Late Night Snack: I learned the hard way 😜 Always, always keep your snack pantry locked & loaded for those late nights. Trust there will be lots of them so you can thank me later 🩵

*Please note, as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost you.

Get to Know Me

Hi there, and welcome to Life’s Little Loves! My name is Sarah and I am a dedicated stay-at-home mom who has been happily married for three wonderful years. My days are filled with the joyful chaos of raising my spirited 2-year-old daughter, who keeps me on my toes and fills my heart with endless love.

Some things I love include family vacations, lazy afternoons by the lake, and the comforting escape of a good book. Though my full-time job is parenting, I find time to indulge in my passions, whether it’s trying out new recipes or diving into the latest bestsellers.

My friends and family describe me as friendly, warm, and considerate, always putting others first and wearing my heart on my sleeve. This blog is a reflection of my journey as a mother, wife, and individual. Here, I share my favorite recipes, book recommendations, and insights into the beautiful, sometimes messy, adventure of motherhood.

I’m also exploring affiliate marketing so you’ll find links to products I genuinely love and recommend. Join me as I navigate this incredible journey, sharing tips, stories, and a little bit of everything that makes life so wonderfully unpredictable.