Let’s chat about life. ❤️ Mom anxiety, favorite TV right now, and the recipes that have been saving me lately.
A Coffee Date for Spring
Hi! Hello!
My vibes are a little weird this week, to be honest. Seems like a great time to write a bunch of words for the public to read!
I’m really here for two reasons:
- Lately I’ve found that the little side chats in my life have been extra life-giving. Usually I don’t even know that I need it, but after I have the chance to connect with someone – even just for a quick little text exchange or driveway chat, suddenly things start clicking again and I feel more like myself.
- I’ve been a little stuck lately, food wise and life wise. I’m blaming the weather – can we do that? I just kind of have the soft blahs, and one of the best ways I know to move through that is to just be real about it. It’s okay to have the blahs. I’ve been here before. The sun will shine again!
So, today let’s do the internet version of a side chat! You’re walking by my house, we stop to say hi, I’m petting your dog and asking you how your kids are and if you’re traveling anywhere for spring break and suddenly we’re talking about anxiety and Severance!
It’s a coffee date.
Sick Kids, Anxious Mom.
This week on Instagram I shared that our kids have been sick, and that it has taken a real toll on my nervous system. When they’re not doing well, I’m very anxious.
The sicknesses have been very regular. Run of the mill coughs, fevers, ear infections, and sleepless nights. But my nervous system is experiencing all these symptoms as if at any moment I might need to call the ambulance. Which, to be fair, I MIGHT! You just never know, and I mean this seriously, and this is the problem for me.
That hypervigilance, on top of being sick myself and sleeping half the night in my daughter’s tiny twin bed all week, has made me so weary lately.
And what really surprised me is that I heard from so many of you this week who said you feel this, too.
Not just the sick kids at home, but the anxiety that goes along with it. I’ve heard this from real life friends and internet friends. A summary of what I’ve heard from you:
- You feel anxious because your babies are crying but they can’t explain what’s wrong.
- You struggle to decide – is my kid okay? do we need to go to the clinic? ER? what to do?
- You don’t have kids but who feel a high level of anxiety with your pets, who also can’t explain what’s wrong.
- Your kids are grown but you still feel that same anxiety when your kids get sick in their 20s or 30s. Because once a mom, always a mom.
- You are medical professionals – heard this from several people! – and your job is to see sick kids all day, but you still get anxious about your own kids being sick. (Which, honestly, is a bit of a bubble-burster because I’d prefer to keep the thought in my mind that you’re all untouchable heroes who have no fears and know the answers to everything!)
In our story, I know that some of my personal anxieties are made worse from past medical trauma – having had experiences where things were supposed to be fine and then they were not fine at all. I know many of you have had similar experiences, too.
Is this a downer? It might be a downer! Welcome to my brain in March!
Maybe I’ll report back when I figure out how to not get the nervous shakes when the thermometer reads “103.5” or fighting for my life with an adrenaline surge at every middle of the night coughing spell. Or… maybe I’ll be making my way through this for the rest of my life. If you know the secret, feel free to pass it along.
It was really sweet for my heart to hear from many of you this week and it really made me feel less alone, and just less weird. Thank you.
What I’ve Been Cooking
I’ve made these chicken bowls almost once a week since January, because I’m in love with that cilantro pesto on there.
Also, a hefty amount of berry muffins and carrot cake cupcakes (coming soon – I want them to be just just just right), cottage cheese pizzas, this sweet potato soup many times over, and a lot of buffalo chicken burgers.
But Also, Kind Of In a Cooking Rut.
Meh. This has to be a pretty normal thing, even for people who like to cook.
I’m not lacking in ideas or interest; I have so many things that sound fun to try and hundreds of recipe ideas floating around in my head.
I think I’m just lacking in the time, space, and energy to execute them well.
The normal demands of life – laundry, school, doctor appointments, work, headlines, cleaning, eat enough protein and lift weights, etc. – have just felt a little more consuming in the last 2-3 months. There isn’t a perfectly tidy and serene little space in the day for me to make a beautiful dinner just the way I want, or, maybe I’m just tired and finding it challenging to create that space.
What I genuinely love about the rut, though, and that slight feeling of stuck-ness, is that I feel a new SOS series coming to life! I’m not just saying this to be positive – I truly love when my real life leads to me try to find solutions to problems that I think we all feel from time to time. And that’s where I’m working right now.
SOS recipes are my bread and butter. My favorites. My most real-lifey. I’ve been a little stuck, but it’s pushed me in a really good direction and I’m excited for what’s coming. I’ll probably roll this new set out in April / May! Stay tuned.
The Small Joy Of TV
Guys, I love TV right now. Especially when paired with a just-two-huge-cookies cookie.
Our girls are in a season of life where bedtime is fairly consistent, we don’t have nighttime sports or activities or events. Bjork and I almost always watch an hour of TV together at the end of the night, and sitting on the couch, in my jammies, at 9pm, ready to watch a show together is truly one of my happiest places to be.
I have a personal rule that I cannot watch intense or graphic shows – see previous chat about anxiety – so my favorite shows are right on the edge of interesting, catchy, a little thrilling, but nothing overly violent or scary that’s going to keep me up at night.
Current faves, in order of award-winning to most cheesy and lovable:
- Severance
- Survivor
- Amazing Race
- Occasional Bachelor
Honestly, Severance might be some of the best TV I’ve ever watched. It’s smart and complex and softly-creepy and weird in a great way. And so beautiful! The cinematography! I could talk about this show for a long time. (EDIT: since posting this a few days ago, I watched the Season 2 finale of Severance which has one graphic scene! but I still love the show.)
God bless entertaining TV and those who make it. It’s been one of my small joys lately.
Solvi Says
I usually do a Sage-says in these coffee date posts, but this month I’ve got a genuinely moving little lesson from my daughter Solvi. She wants us to know:
The way you are made is the way I like it.
You feel behind? Struggle bussing? Like you could be doing better? (ME!)
Guess what – the people who love you are so glad you’re in their lives. The way you are made is the way they like it. Your pets, your kids, your parents, your partners and spouse and friends. They aren’t thinking about your areas for improvement – they’re thinking about how much they love when you laugh, how much they want to go to play at the park with you, and how good they feel when they hug you. They love you just as you are right now.
Be nice to yourself. Being a human is hard. You’re doing great.
Thanks For Being Here.
If you’re here, you’re probably getting our emails or following on Instagram or just checking in from time to time. Thank you – your real, human touch on this corner of the internet is what makes this place joyful for me.
I hope you feel loved today!
And if you’re an anxious mom when your kids are sick… ME, TOO! Xo
Filed Under: Life
March 21, 2025
Nice to meet you!
I’m Lindsay and I ♡ FOOD. I used to be a teacher, and now making food and writing about it online is my full-time job. I love talking with people about food, and I'm so glad you're here.
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Lindsay, as a doctor mom who has also gone through medical trauma with my kids, I recommend EMDR. This therapy allowed me to take the edge off that anxiety feeling when my kids are sick. No more constant raised heart rate and inability to breathe. I may need to do it again but it was an incredible gift to myself. Happy to talk to you about it. Sending you love!
I’ve kept this open on my phone for when I needed a “coffee break” at work, and this hit the spot! Thank you. I can relate to so much of this! Definitely in the season of enjoying some good bad tv at the end of the day.
We are OBSESSED with the cottage cheese pizza! Like I almost curse you because I want it every other day! Its so so good! We would 100% choose this over any other crust every time! Top it with some Raos pizza sauce, some whole milk freshly shredded Krogers brand mozz ( its so good and salty) and some little pepperoni cups and we are in heaven!! The number of times I’ve referenced your site is a smidge embarrassing! But keep em coming!
If you’re looking for a show to lift your spirits,the show I’ve watched on repeat when I’m down in the dumps is Leverage. It’s got everything – really endearing characters,fun plots,great twists, humor and suspense. Nothing graphic or scary. It’s my favorite feel good show! Hope it puts a smile on your face if you watch it.
Our child is now in her 30’s but I still worry. I think anxiety is the new norm, everything seems unsettled and chaotic. Our dog has been sick (a case of old dog syndrome – which is a real diagnosis!) and has required 24 hour care for the last two weeks. In truth it has felt like having a toddler again. She is slowly getting better although I am not sure she will be back to ‘normal’. When a crisis happens, everything goes out the door. No gym, no healthy dinners, can’t go out with friends because she needs us, etc. I understand the blahs.
Your blog is a breath of fresh air in the often mundane world of online content. Your unique perspective and engaging writing style never fail to leave a lasting impression. Thank you for sharing your insights with us.
This sounds like such a comforting and relatable conversation! Mom anxiety is so real, and it’s always great to share experiences and support each other. I’d love to hear about your favorite TV shows and those go-to recipes—sometimes, a good meal and a great show can make all the difference!
Wow, Lindsay, this was so comforting! You really bottled the feeling of passing by and petting the dogs! We, too, have been in the ~soft blahs~ Thank you! <3
I have almost nothing in common with you.
Well , I’m white.
But 68.
And no kids at home.
But I’m a mom.
and my daughters are moms too. (One went to St Olaf in Northfield -but we’re from AZ.)
And they turned me on to you.
I love you all.
You’re real, and good, and not perfect.
But it’s ok that your daughter thinks you are.
I love these coffee dates! When I was pregnant during COVID, they were such a bright spot. They are connective even though we’re all at opposite ends of a computer screen. Thank you for sharing!
I have a three year old and struggle with the sick-anxieties too. And I’m a therapist.. After my son was born a friend and colleague said to me, “you now have part of your heart walking around outside your body.” And that pretty much summed it up. To be a mom is to walk with fear, which is a manifestation of our deep love. Thanks for your share and vulnerability. Sending you some love and light as you navigate your dip.
Ugh this winter has been a DOOZE. I’m so happy spring is on its way and we don’t have to stress so dang much about sickness. I’m sick of sick!! 😂😂 Thank you for sharing your heart!! 💗💗
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your recipes !! My family loves the chocolate chip cookies 😊 I don’t have kids , I hurt my back and I’m not working so I started baking, I also take care of my mom who is 80 . You gave me something to do when I was down . I think we all go through rough times and having good people like you around is awesome 👏. Thank you for being real and true about your life !!
Cozy evening TV is also a happy place for me during this time of year with our winter/chilly Canadian spring! Hearing your preferred types of shows, I MUST recommend two of my all time faves: Somebody Somewhere, and Bad Sisters.
Both so lifegiving, hilarious but also heartwarming and well filmed! Love your recipes, your blog, and everything you put out there – thank you!
Thank you for this Coffee Date! Solvi’s note and your encouragement made me cry while working at Starbucks this morning. Definitely needed that pick me up and will come back to it often!
Love your recipes …. the variety, the ease and the incredible taste!! My latest favorite is Chicken with Coconut Kale! EVERYONE loves this! My family, my neighbors and … well, just everyone who has tasted it! Lately I’ve gotten into sourdough. Making and “babysitting” the starter, baking fresh bread and even using the discard for yummy chocolate chip cookies. Any chance you would travel down the sourdough lane and create some irresistible recipes?
Oh, and sick kids…. I used to remind myself that a fever is your friend! My kids are grown adults now.. we all survived, but I do remember the stress. hang in there!
Love your recipes …. the variety, the ease and the incredible taste!! My latest favorite is Chicken with Coconut Kale! EVERYONE loves this! My family, my neighbors and … well, just everyone who has tasted it! Lately I’ve gotten into sourdough. Making and “babysitting” the starter, baking fresh bread and even using the discard for yummy chocolate chip cookies. Any chance you would travel down the sourdough lane and create some irresistible recipes?
I totally get the ‘soft blahs’ – it’s like the weather just zaps all the energy! Love this cozy, honest vibe you’ve got going here. A virtual coffee date sounds just what I need today!
Just wanted you to know I continue to be such a big fan of yours. I don’t follow many people I don’t know personally these days, but I so enjoy ALL your recipes, your recommendations, your posts, all the things. My kids have had the flu this past week and it’s been rough, so I’m with you! All that to say, keep doing what you’re doing as you have margin. I think you’re the best!
The Amazing Race is the best show! I watch with my 10-year old daughter. I also made your buffalo chicken burgers for dinner but mistakenly used Tabasco hot sauce. I’m an idiot! Thanks for all your recipes!
I don’t usually comment but this post got me in the feels! I’ve been cooking your recipes regularly for years now and they’re always so delicious. I also love your lovely spirit that comes through in your posts. Thanks for sharing about your struggles, as I feel and understand so many of those things as a mother of young children and a person who experiences anxiety regularly. I feel the same sense of peace and contentment just watching a great show with my husband after a long day. 🙂
Hi, I feel all of this! That 3 am cough that wakes you out of a sound sleep? My brain goes into overdrive thinking about all the possibilities even if it was just a random, one-off cough. I’m hearing this collective struggle from a lot of friends. It might be the season, the wild times we are living through, all of the above. It’s reassuring to know there are others around to talk to and share with. Thank you for your honesty and your openness.
I’m 79 and well remember those days. As a matter of fact I would move myself and sleep on the floor in their room! And the one thing both of my girls remember most about being sick!
Do what you feel the need to do. You only have to answer to yourself!
Thank you for sharing…can relate entirely – meal ruts, anxiety, all of it! Love that precious note – what perspective our kids have. I could write for a while about my journey with health anxiety as relates to be a mom, and how it’s an ongoing growth area for me and also such a relatable experience! It helps me to remember that to love is to care is to also hurt when those we love hurt…still hard and an in-process journey, but it does help me to see it that way somehow, rather than remove myself from the joy to protect me from the sorrow, etc. I also have really appreciated the book “Boundaries with your Soul” by Dr. Alison Cook which has helped me see anxiety for what it is – like trying to protect but sometimes in an overactive way – kind of like an Inside Out model 🙂 So so good to just be able to relate too! Thank you again for sharing.
And on the peaceful tv list, All Creatures Great and Small on PBS (the new version) has wonderful vistas and pace with also terrific chaeacters 🙂 I think it can be viewed in Prime as well!
My four kids are in their 30s and 40s now. I remember a time when I banged my head against a wall because one of them had a high fever. That’s literally banged my head on purpose, not figuratively. I’ve been through so many things in my life but when my kids were sick stands out as some of the worst. I don’t have answers but I feel your pain.