May has had a slower pace — something I planned for, but still found a little strange to settle into. I started taking on less at work to make space for summer with the boys, and there were moments this month where I had very little on my to-do list… and weirdly, felt guilty about it. Funny how that works, even when it’s exactly what I wanted and needed.

This will be the first summer I’ve been home with them full-time since they were babies — no camps, no full-time childcare, just us. I’m nervous and excited and already mentally preparing for the “I’m bored” chorus by week two.

But before we fully slide into summer mode (we leave for Disney tomorrow!!), here are a few little things that made May feel easier, more fun, or just worth sharing.

1. CLEARSTEM Skincare

Ever since BeautyCounter disappeared, I’ve been on the hunt for skincare that won’t clog my pores (acne-prone girlies, IYKYK), isn’t too thick or greasy, and doesn’t cost a small fortune. I tried a few things from DIME and liked them for a bit, but my forehead was still doing that fun dry-and-flaky thing.

Enter: CLEARSTEM — which I found thanks to PaleOMG on Instagram. Their products are specifically formulated not to clog pores and are packed with high-quality, acne-safe ingredients. I’ve officially switched everything over — even my shampoo and conditioner. Huge fan so far. Highly recommend if you’re looking for clean, non-comedogenic skincare that actually works.

2. Chia Seed Pudding

I used to make chia seed pudding all the time back in my Paleo days (which… somehow was 10 years ago?!). I’ve been getting a little bored with my usual breakfast staples, and after seeing a creator include it in a “What I Eat in a Day” video, I figured — why not bring it back?

It’s super easy to make, surprisingly filling, and a great way to knock out a solid chunk of your daily fiber in one go. I’m still tweaking my ideal recipe (which I’ll be sharing on my Monthly Meal Plan Membership once I’ve got it perfect!), but here’s what I’ve been doing lately that’s worked well:

• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• ¾–1 cup milk of choice (I used a mix of coconut + almond)
• 1 scoop Paleovalley bone broth protein
• Maple syrup to taste (or stevia if you’re in a cut)

Pro tip: Give it a good stir about an hour after mixing — otherwise, the chia seeds will clump at the bottom and you’ll be annoyed.

3. Low Effort Meal Templates

Y’all, I have been living and dying by my plating guideline lately — aka the Low Effort Meal Template I share with clients all the time.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good casserole or mixed dish, but when you’re tracking your food (which I am right now), those meals can become insanely annoying to log. This template keeps things simple and makes meal prep a breeze — especially for quick lunches throughout the week.

Here’s the formula: protein + fiber + fat + flavor = done. You toss it on a plate (or in a bowl), mix it up, and boom — balanced, satisfying, and easy to track.

One combo that’s gone viral (and for good reason) is the sweet potato ground beef bowl:

• Ground beef (protein)
• Cottage cheese (protein)
• Taco seasoning (flavor)
• Sweet potato + avocado (fiber + fat)
• Hot honey (flavor)

You can do this with so many variations. Here are a few of my current favorites:

• Chicken breast + bagged salad kit + dressing + extra veggies
• Salmon + rice + cucumbers + shredded carrots + Japanese BBQ sauce
• Shredded chicken + rice + sautéed peppers + salsa + cheese
• Ground turkey + air-fried potatoes + steamed broccoli + BBQ sauce
• Grilled steak + greens + sweet potato wedges + avocado + ranch

Minimal prep, super easy to track, and still feels like a real meal. Total win.

4. The Simple Wild

Okay, I know I’ve included The Simple Wild series by K.A. Tucker on at least three of these lists by now — but listen, it’s for good reason. I just re-read the series (for the third time) and was reminded how much I adore these books.

The story hits such a great balance of character development, romance, and tasteful spice, all wrapped in a setting that feels immersive and real. The characters have actual flaws, make messy decisions, and feel like people you might actually know.

It follows a woman as she reconnects with her estranged (and terminally ill) father in Alaska — and that part hit harder for me this time, since my own dad recently went through cancer treatment (he’s doing great now!). These books just get it. I love these characters so much, and honestly, I’ll probably re-read them again next year.

5. AnyDay Titanium Pro Cookware

For Mother’s Day, I decided to treat myself and grabbed two new skillets from AnyDay’s Titanium cookware line — their version of a Hexclad dupe — and let me tell you, they’re so good. Not only are they beautiful (which, let’s be honest, matters), but they work better than I thought they would.

I cook a lot, and even with taking great care of our non-stick pans, we seem to go through them every couple of years (or sooner). I’m hopeful these live up to the “last forever” hype — but even if they don’t, they come with a lifetime warranty, which definitely sweetens the deal. So far, I’ve been super impressed.

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That’s it for this month’s little things — nothing groundbreaking, just a handful of products, recipes, and moments that made life feel a little easier or a little more fun. If you end up trying any of them, I’d love to hear what you think! And if you’ve got a favorite product, book, or go-to meal I need to know about, send me a DM on Instagram and tell me — I’m always down to add more little joys to the list. 💛