meatball.mom on LTK

BUNNY CUPCAKES 🐰Here’s an EASY dessert idea for Easter. These bunny cupcakes are so much fun and super easy to make! 🐰First bake your cupcakes and ice them. I used boxed cake mix and iced them as I normally would. 🐰Next gently roll the cupcake icing in coconut flakes to look like bunny fur. 🐰Cut a large marshmallow in half on the diagonal and dip the sticky sides in pink sugar sprinkles. 🐰Place marshmallow “ears” on top of the cupcake. Bunny cupcake complete! Enjoy! Save this post for later and follow for more easy Holiday ideas! Or comment ‘LINKS’ and I’ll send you a direct message with the links to shop the supplies to make the bunny cupcakes, along with with the cute bunny cake stand! LTKVideo LTKSeasonal LTKhome

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Follow me @meatball.mom on IG

Yellow sweatshirt
Yoga pants
Pottery barn vase

#LTKHome #LTKSeasonal #LTKmomlife #LTKActive #LTKOver40

No one really prepares you for the stage of motherhood where your kids start needing you differently, and you start wondering what’s next for you, too.

I think a lot of moms feel this tension.

You love the life you built, but you also feel pulled toward something that’s yours, too.

Ten years ago, I chose to leave my pharmacy career to be home with my kids.

And now that they’re getting older, I’m trying to figure out what this next chapter looks like.

I love this season of life — summer camp drop-offs, slow mornings, coffee shop runs, and being home with my family.

But I also know I’m not the only one trying to build something for myself, stay consistent, and take care of my health without letting it take over the life I worked so hard to create.

School starts in a few weeks, and I’m trying to find a rhythm that lets me grow without losing the reason I chose this life in the first place.

I’m not looking to reinvent my life. I’m trying to build something of my own around the life I already love.

And I’m documenting this journey in real time to see what that can look like.

So if you’re in that season too, I’d love for you to follow along (IG: @meatball.mom)

If you’re a millennial mom missing the 90s, come join me on Instagram @meatball.mom for my 90’s Summer Dinner Series!

Pottery Barn Dining Room table and chairs

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Midlife mom life / intentional midlife/ content creation
Find me on IG: @meatball.mom

Butter yellow sweatshirt
Lounge pants / gray sweatpants
#ltkbeauty #ltkpetite #ltksalealert #ltkootd

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Summer sundress size small; adjustable straps

Easy high protein dinner; add Greek yogurt and extra veggies

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You can find me on instagram @meatball.mom

Sweater size small - I love wearing over my shoulders during the summer with outfits but light enough for summertime air conditioning - i have in multiple colors.

#ltlkbeauty

#LTKmomlife #LTKstorytime #LTKOver40

Wedding guest dress - wearing size small; heels true to size; very comfortable dress with adjustable straps #ltkootd #ltkmomlife #ltkseasonal

#LTKOver40 #LTKPetite #LTKWedding

If your nighttime skincare routine feels overwhelming, you’re doing too much.

As a 46 year old mom with a PharmD, I’m skeptical of beauty trends and unnecessary products. I want skincare that feels realistic, effective, and simple enough to actually stick with.

For me, that means focusing on 3 core nighttime products:
- a gentle cleanser (linked the Neutrogena one I use)
- a moisturizer (linked the one I use on face and body)
- a retinol or retinoid, if it’s appropriate for you ( I use the prescription: tretinoin cream)

I also personally avoid fragrance where I can, because it can be irritating to the skin.

I started using a retinoid in my 30s, but retinoids are not right for everyone and they do come with cautions and restrictions, so check with your healthcare provider first.

And even though this is about nighttime skincare, I wear sunscreen every day too, because protecting my skin matters just as much as treating it.

I linked the suncreen I use daily on my face - it’s tinted and was recommended by my dermatologist who uses it herself.

Also linked the face oil I use during the day and Vaseline for chapped lips.

#ltkmomlife #ltkgrwm #ltkhome #ltkpetite

#LTKOver40 #LTKBeauty #LTKselfcare

Need a fun, easy family dinner your kids will absolutely love?

If you’re a millennial mom who grew up loving 90s movies, this one is extra fun.

This Jurassic Park-inspired dinner was my way of making dinnertime more fun while creating sweet 90s summer memories with my kids. I hope it inspires you to share a little of that magic with your family too.

I assembled everything in one casserole dish, with broccoli in the center like a little forest and dinosaur nuggets all around it. For dessert, we made the iconic green Jell-O from the movie, and I served ginger ale as a nod to the champagne at the beginning of the movie.

I also made “dino” deviled eggs and styled them in a bowl with peeled eggshells to look like freshly hatched dinosaur eggs.

Head to @meatball.mom on IG & comment DINO for the full menu + recipes.

And follow along to see what’s on the menu for Episode 6 next week!

#LTKHome #LTKOver40 #LTKmomlife #LTKvlog #LTKdayinmylife #LTKfoodie #LTKstorytime

Millennial moms, if you miss the 90s and feel like your kids are growing up too fast, this summer dinner series is for you.

In between pool days and summer camps, it’s been one of my favorite ways to slow down, spend time together, and bring a little of our childhood into theirs.

Each week, I share the full menu and recipes if you want to recreate it with your own family.

We keep it easy, simple, and fun, just like the 90s were.

If you missed the first couple of weeks or you’re new here, here’s your quick catch-up on the fun:

In week 1, we escaped back to the 90s Nancy Meyers style with Father of the Bride. We talked about how hard it is to watch our kids grow up and how every milestone makes time move even faster.

On the menu: baked chicken thighs as a nod to the movie’s “chipper chicken,” shrimp cocktail, homemade 90s party pasta salad, hot dogs with the equal number of buns, of course, and petit fours for dessert as our wedding cake.

Week 2 was inspired by Uncle Jesse from Full House. Who else used to sit on the floor watching TGIF? We celebrated his Greek heritage with juicy sheet pan chicken pita sandwiches, store-bought Greek sides, an Uncle Jesse’s Smash Club Spritzer, and cinnamon sugar ice cream sundaes.

What I loved most about Jesse was how he stayed true to himself even as life got fuller: the hair, the motorcycle, the music, and the willingness to keep learning and chase new dreams.

Stay tuned because week 3 is coming in just a few days, and it’s another 90s classic with a delicious dinner idea. Any guesses what it is?

If you want to follow the series, make sure to follow along here @meatball.mom. And if you’re new, tap on this video to watch Episode 1 and start from the beginning.

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What mom life looks like for me right now: living in shifts

Morning: pouring into the kids.
Midday: pouring into myself and the home.
Evening: pouring into family

As busy moms, we wear all the hats, carry all the things, and still show up with love.

Some days it’s beautiful, some days it’s survival. But we give our all for the people who are our everything.

#LTKdayinmylife #LTKmomlife #LTKOver40

There is always something or someone that needs you more than your workout does.

The kids. The house. The endless list that never gets shorter.
And it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll start when things slow down.

But I lost my dad young. And I spent years as a pharmacist watching patients lose their independence and become limited by health struggles.

Those two things changed how I see my health and workouts.

Because every move I make is practice for real life.

Carrying groceries without struggling. Getting on the floor to tie shoes without thinking twice. Keeping up with my kids.

Staying active in the sports and hobbies I love. Running my house and my life without my body slowing me down.

And here’s what most people don’t talk about. We start losing muscle as we age.

Staying consistent now is how we hold onto our strength, our independence and our ability to do the things that matter.

That starts now. In the small choices. On the ordinary days.

You don’t need to be perfect.

It starts with deciding your future self is worth showing up for. 🫶

#ltkpetite #ltkootd #ltkdayinmylife #ltkactive

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Moms, if dinner has started to feel like just another task, this TMNT-inspired movie night is your sign to make it fun again.

Episode 4 of my 90s Summer Dinner Series is inspired by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Secret of the Ooze, and it might be my favorite one yet.

For this easy family-friendly dinner, I made homemade pizzas, a side salad, green guacamole, donuts inspired by a scene in the movie, and a green ooze drink for a nostalgic touch.

This series is for the millennial moms who love 90s nostalgia, easy themed family dinners, and creating special memories at home without overcomplicating it.

A simple dinner can still feel creative, playful, and a little magical.

#LTKSeasonal #LTKmomlife #LTKfoodie

Napa CA long weekend vacation - the perfect Summer getaway or Anniversary trip. Linking dresses I wore that are great for Summer or Wedding Guest dress season

Hotel:
* Napa Valley Lodge, Yountville, CA

Favorite places we ate:
* The French Laundry
* Auro
* Bistro Jeanty
* RO restaurant & lounge
* Bouchon bakery
* Brix

Wineries:
* Collateral
* Mayacamas
*Clos du Val
*Domaine Carneros

Sundresses were perfect for wineries, vineyards and the quince cashmere and fishermen sweaters were perfect for chilly evenings.

Exact carry on linked - it’s one that is popular with flight attendants.

Leave me any questions below - I’ll be happy to answer!

#LTKPetite #LTKWedding #LTKOver40 #LTKTravel

Easy chicken parmesan for busy moms who want dinner to feel special. 🤍

This is one of my favorite dinners for birthdays, weekends, or any night when I want something a little extra cozy and homemade.

It takes more time than my usual weeknight meals, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Crispy chicken, sauce, melty cheese, and a dinner that feels like love on a plate.

If you’re looking for a comforting family dinner idea that feels special without being restaurant complicated, this is such a good one.

* Recipe from @centofinefoods. I use chicken breasts and adjust the amounts of some of the ingredients.

#LTKstorytime #LTKfoodie #LTKmomlife

If you’re looking for a space where midlife feels like something to step into, not just get through, think about following @meatball.mom for real talk on healthy habits, meal prep, and showing up for yourself in this season.

👋Hey, I’m Janine! I’m a pharmacist turned stay-at-home mom navigating midlife, no village nearby, juggling kids and schedules, and building a life I’m genuinely proud of.

If you’re here to feel strong, live intentionally, and make this chapter count, welcome to my page! 🙌

I’m so glad you’re here!

Janine 💛

#LTKmomlife #LTKOver40 #LTKPetite

Tennis outfits I wear - over 40

#LTKmomlife #LTKootd #LTKOver40

Strength training is non-negotiable for me — but staying consistent in midlife means paying attention to comfort and recovery.

These are the small, practical things I use that help me keep lifting, walking, and moving without unnecessary discomfort.

Toe cushions and separators help keep from getting or relieving toe irritation

Socks - linked the socks I use for walking - keep my feet from slipping in shoes

Favorite walking sneakers - I love both - the gel kayano are super cushiony and the on cloudrunner 2 has plenty of room in toe box and my absolute favorite

Foam roller for recovery

Massage tool I use for sore and tight muscles

No slip adjustable headband and scrunchies for working out comfortably

Water bottle to stay hydrated - holds plenty of liquid

#ltkmomlife #ltkpetite

#LTKActive #LTKfitnessgoals #LTKOver40

#LTKfitnessgoals #LTKmomlife #LTKselfcare

The small tools I actually use at home to stay consistent with routines, workouts, and daily movement. Nothing fancy — just items that fit real life and make busy weeks easier to manage.

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