Heyyy friends! Wow it feels amazing to type on a keyboard and share all that’s been floating around in my head. A lot has happened since I last posted…
I had a baby boy! Harrison was born on March 6th and is a smiley, happy, big boy who we would squeeze all day if we could.
My second time in the postpartum season has been incredibly healing for me. Bringing my toddler-mom perspective to the newborn phase has given me a patience and reassurance that I didn’t have the first time around. The hard times are hard, and then we get through them. Prioritizing my health is more important than whatever tasks are waiting for me. And babies cry without it necessarily meaning that something has gone terribly wrong - a lesson Millie reminds me of often.
In moments I need it most, she’ll look at me and say, “Harrison is crying Mommy, and it’s OK, let him cry.” Thank you, sweet girl <3.
Millie really thrives in her big sister role and she’s a total natural. When she came to meet Harrison in the hospital, she sat holding him for 30 full minutes. She barely talked and was completely content to look at his little face and be with us. I’m amazed at how adaptable and observant she is.
Being together with Wills, Millie, and Harrison feels so wonderful. Especially because, not that long ago, I wasn't sure I’d ever have another baby.
Over the past few months, I’ve thought of hundreds of things I want to share here - from new recipes to bug spray recommendations to fun activities to musings about motherhood. I’m thrilled to start up again, and I have some really fun ideas. Starting with a new name and a re-brand.
Consider it Done is now Around my Table with Maria Cain.
Why the new name? Well, I have changed a lot since I started this Substack. I used to measure my worth in how productive I could be in a given day. These days, I’m trying to slow way down to be present in the ordinary-ness of everyday life.
Where Consider it Done feels determined and striving, Around my Table feels relaxed and inviting. It feels more like where I am now and where I want to be.
The content is changing a little, too. Once a month, I’ll share a big post with what I’m currently loving, making, watching, buying, thinking about, etc. And as inspiration strikes, I’ll share bonus posts about motherhood, wellness, sobriety, friendship, and whatever else I can’t stop thinking about.
Everything I share here will be available to both free and paid subscribers. If you'd like to support this work with a paid subscription, I'd be so grateful. Another wonderful way to support this space is by sharing it with your friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers you meet on the street.
All are welcome to pull up a chair. Thank you for being here!
Welcome to my very first post of Around My Table with Maria Cain.
I share what I love. I love recipes that feel special without being complicated. I love things that make me laugh. I love being curious about wellness and spirituality. I love finding community and discovering that an experience I thought was uniquely mine is actually happening to lots of women.
If you love those things too, then I think you’ll like it here.
In My Kitchen
I have the sleep deprivation munchies all the time these days, so it’s critical that I have something in the fridge that’s easy and filling. All three of these recipes are great for making in a big batch and enjoying all week long.
Cottage Cheese Banana Protein Pancakes by Ambitious Kitchen - This is my current breakfast fixation. I quadruple the recipe, blend everything together, pour it into a sheet pan, and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes. Then I slice them into squares and store them in the fridge or freezer for the quickest high-protein breakfast.
Tuna Salad by Caroline Chambers - I’ve been making this tuna salad for the past few weeks, and it’s the perfect high-protein snack or easy lunch. I eat it with crackers or on a piece of sourdough toast.
Banana Chia Seed Pudding - The perfect post-gym or late-afternoon refuel. It satisfies the sweet tooth and is sneakily packed with protein and fiber.
What I’m Enjoying
Shrill on Hulu - If you enjoyed Somebody Somewhere (one of my favorite series of all time), then you’ll like Shrill. It came out in 2019, but didn’t cross my desk until now, and I’m so glad that it did!
Elle on Prime Video - I am THE target demo for millennial nostalgia, and this is such a goodie. Lexi Minetree does a phenomenal job portraying the iconic Elle Woods.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb - A memoir about a therapist going to therapy that is funny and sweet and sad and very human. I loved it.
In My Shopping Cart
I’m making a conscious effort not to mindlessly shop while I spend many hours in a rocking chair looking at my phone. So today, I’m sharing some practical purchases that I use everyday.
Picaridin Bug Spray - An effective bug spray that doesn’t stink or leave you feeling sticky.
Badger Itch Relief Stick - If you do end up with a bug bite, this stuff helps soothe the itch.
Cordee Phone Strap Case - For those of us who don’t have enough hands or pockets and need our phones at the ready, this case is the best.
Let’s Ask AI
ChatGPT is part of our family at this point, I consult her (AI is certainly a woman, only a woman could have that many answers) for all kinds of things. She is my sous chef, parenting coach, personal shopper, stylist, and much more.
Do I think it’s kinda scary how much she knows about me? Kinda, but the benefits currently outweigh that fear so I’m asking away!
This section is for sharing ways I’ve used AI that I think may be useful for you, too.
How do I make veggie tots with what I have?
One of my favorite uses for AI is the very glamorous “here are the random ingredients in my kitchen, please feed my children” situation. This week I had carrots, sweet potatoes and eggs, and ChatGPT turned them into an easy tot recipe for Millie. Of course, my sweet picky Millie has yet to try them, but at least I have something easy to offer her!
Try it like this: I need to make [breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack] for my [age]-year-old. I have [list what’s in your fridge/pantry]. Can you give me a simple, kid-friendly recipe using mostly what I already have? Keep it easy and tell me exactly how to make it.
How do I make a weekend away with two little kids actually feel like a vacation?
Before a family weekend at the river, I told ChatGPT everything—the kids’ sleeping arrangements, who would be around to help, when my husband was arriving, even my concern about lowering a sleeping baby into a very low Pack ’n Play. It helped me think through the weekend in a way that prioritized actually enjoying myself, not just successfully transporting two children to another location and keeping them alive.
Try it like this: I’m taking a trip to [place] with my [kids’ ages] for [number of days]. Here’s where we’re staying, our sleeping setup, who will be there to help, and anything I’m worried about: [details]. Help me think through how to make this trip fun for the kids AND genuinely enjoyable for me. Give me a loose game plan, what to prep ahead of time, and anything I can let go of.
Does this outfit work? And what should I change?
I send ChatGPT pictures of my outfits all the time. I’ll show it what I’m wearing and ask what’s working, what feels off, which shoes or accessories I should add, or how to make something feel more pulled together. It’s basically like having a stylist in my pocket who already knows what I like—and doesn’t mind when I ask about the same pair of shoes six different ways.
Try it like this: Upload a photo of yourself in the outfit, then ask: “Be my personal stylist. Tell me what’s working about this outfit and what, if anything, feels off. How would you style it to make it feel more pulled together? Consider the shoes, accessories, proportions, and styling details. I’m going for [describe your desired vibe] and wearing it to [occasion].
That’s all for today! I’m so excited to be posting again, and I so appreciate you being here.
Welcome Back Maria!