What’s Cooking This Week 🍽️

and my complicated relationship with Mother's Day.

By the time this recipe hits your inbox, many of you will be getting ready to celebrate Mother’s Day.

For some, it’s a joyful weekend of love and appreciation. For others—non-moms, those with complicated family histories, or anyone carrying mixed emotions—it’s not so simple.

I didn’t have the world’s worst parents, not by a long shot. I grew up in a nice neighborhood, traveled often, wearing the latest skorts from Limited Too and thanks to the generosity of extended family, always had what I needed. But the true anchors in my life were my three older sisters—11, 12, and 14 years old when I was born.

They got me through school, nursed me through sick days, bailed me out (yes, literally), and stuck by me through every twist and turn. They shaped me, raised me, and somehow made sure I turned out…relatively speaking, mostly alright. And the greatest gift they've given me? The joy of being an aunt.

I’m sharing this because Mother’s Day on social media often looks like a perfectly wrapped tribute—and for a long time, I thought everyone but me was living that shiny, picture-perfect story. If you're in my corner, feeling a mix of gratitude and grief this weekend, I see you.

*pics of my childhood are hard to come by so a photo with 3/4 of us is a treasure

I think if I’ve learned anything in my 39 years of life it’s that a beautiful life can be built in any environment. We can bury ourselves in the negative or we can look for the light and climb our way to it. I aim to always share little ways to sparkle even when life feels it’s hardest. Filling my cup this weekend, then heading off for a short (and much needed) Vegas getaway with some friends next week. A reset, a recharge, and plenty of relaxation.

But first, here is what’s cooking this week:

SPRING CARBONARA (30 Minutes)

This recipe was a March favorite and when I deem something worthy of making my monthly roundups, especially a recipe, it’s worth making on repeat. Chicago’s Logan Square Farmer’s Market has long been one of my favorites so with a 75 degree sunny day in the forecast, I’ll be soaking it up with an afternoon dilly dallying my way through. Grabbing the produce I need for this week’s menu on the way.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 ounces pancetta

• olive oil

• 10 ounces fettuccine or linguine

• 1 lb fresh English peas

• 3 scallions

• 1 egg

• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan

• ½ cup freshly grated pecorino romano

• 1 lemon

• Fresh mint for serving

THE RECIPE 🍴 : https://whatsgabycooking.com/spring-pasta-carbonara/

CROCK POT CARNITAS (Crock Pot)

Since we’re gone for Taco Friday this week, we’re combining Crock Pot Monday for the best of both worlds. From memory, I don’t think I’ve ever made this recipe before and I always like to be transparent when we’re experimenting, but I’ve long loved Pinch of Yum recipes so I’m pretty confident we’re in good hands.

What You’ll Need:

• 4–5 lbs. pork shoulder

• 5 cloves garlic

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 tablespoon chipotle hot sauce (optional)

• juice of 2 limes

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 12 ounces beer (a standard lager works great for this!)

• 1/2 cup salsa

THE RECIPE🍴: https://pinchofyum.com/easy-crockpot-carnitas

SESAME GINGER CHICKEN ( 15 Minutes )

Getting my workload organized for the week so I can fully unwind once we land in Vegas. I’m keeping things simple with quick, easy dinners to make life a little smoother. I first spotted a similar recipe on TikTok, but ended up with a simpler version that looks just as delicious! And who can’t use a 15 minute recipe in their lineup?

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup onion

• 2 tablespoons garlic

• 2 pounds ground chicken breast

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• Fresh black pepper

• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil (to taste, start with 1 and add more if desired)

• 1/3 cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water

• Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish

THE RECIPE 🍴: https://www.mantitlement.com/sesame-ground-chicken/

BONUS RECIPE: BUFFALO CHICKEN DENSE BEAN SALAD

I meant to share this recipe last week, but you know, life. I landed on this Tik Tok account sometime last year and as funny as it may sound, the creator’s niche is beans. She went viral (and stayed viral) for these make ahead bean salads she would eat for lunch throughout the week. High nutritional value and while they do require a little bit of effort, the result is worth it 1,000 times over. See John’s text for further validation. If buffalo chicken isn’t your thing, there are a wide variety of other options on her page and well worth the deep dive.

What You’ll Need:

• For the Marinade:

  • 1.5-2lbs of chicken thighs

  • juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 cup of buffalo sauce

  • 6 cloves of pressed garlic

  • 2 tsp paprika

  • 2 tbs honey

  • 2 tbs sea salt

  • 1/2 cup avocado oil

  • 1/2 cup rice vinegar

  For the salad:

  • 3 ears of corn

  • 2 bell peppers

  • 1 bunch of cilantro

  • 1/2 a red onion or one small red onion

  • 1 bunch of radishes

  • 8 oz pepper jack cheese

  • 1 can of chickpeas

  • 1 can of white beans

  For the Dressing

  • 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce of choice ( *I love this one from Primal Kitchen )

  • 1/3 cup rice vinegar

  • 1/3 cup avocado oil

  • 1 tbs honey

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • 2 tsp kosher salt

  • juice of 1 grilled lemon

  • 2 tbs mayonnaise

THE RECIPE 🍴:

Buffalo Chicken Dense Bean Salad

SENDING LOVE & LIGHT FOR A BEAUTIFUL WEEK AHEAD ✨

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Welcome to THE LIFE EDIT- I’m Linds 👋🏼

The Life Edit is embracing the art of celebrating life’s little luxuries. From the simple swaps and meaningful improvements, to the big transformations, we’re elevating our travel, style, and daily habits, with practical tips to make life feel more well lived.

Catch me in real time on Instagram here and here if *hopefully Tik Tok lives on forever.