Ann Stephenson
📍 Southwest Virginia | Marketing for an EdTech company by day, hustling for Wooed by the Food by night
📝 Editors Note
A friend shared a question from a popular podcast, MFM, “what feels like play to you but work to others?”
I think I have a pretty funny list:
Brainstorming product features and names. These are my favorite meetings at work. My proudest one being the $100K #SoloYolo.
Writing and giving speeches, in particular toasts at a friend’s wedding
Organizing events and groups, examples being tailgates, remote workers in my hometown, people considering ETA
This newsletter, a labor of love that so far, has only cost me money
Creating trip itineraries, my specialty being day-trips. *If you want me to create you one, fill out this form *.
What is it for you?
Without further ado….
Why Ann?
Ann came highly recommended by Murphy H. Also, once you check our her Instagram where she has over 100,000 followers, I think you’ll quickly realize she has developed a incredible niche with baby/toddler meal recipes.
Follow Ann on @Wooedbythefood
Self-Description
Typical millennial who strives to be different but in reality just a basic b. Loves to use "self-care" as an excuse for anything. Mom to a unicorn baby who has gained me a lot of followers with his eating skills.
Ann’s Recommendations
Written in her own words…
Product
This Shark Tank product has been a game changer for me in the kitchen with meal prepping. Freeze foods in perfect, stackable portions that makes you save room in the freezer. You can also bake in these! These products saved me when I was preparing meals for postpartum.
SideDish
Incredible sauces and marinades by Defined Dish (Alex Snodgrass) that can take your regular weeknight meal to the next level so quickly. If I'm feeling lazy in the kitchen, I just get some protein and veggies to throw in with a sauce (creamy sesame is my fave) and call it a day.
Branch Basics
I started swapping to all non-toxic items in my house a few years ago and I am now a Branch Basics loyalist. Their bottle of concentrate turns into laundry detergent, all purpose spray, hand soap and more. I love their products.
Content
If you're a lover of pop culture, then you have to be a Toaster. These two sisters are hilarious and give you a breakdown of the biggest five news stories every weekday.
Digital Product
My husband introduced me to this app that helps you go right to sleep! You can choose from settings such as "power nap" or "deep sleep" with a set timer and it has really helped me on those nights that my brain won't turn off.
With headphones on, choose the brainwave frequency and background noise setting. It’s used for more than just sleeping; there’s yoga meditation, creativity boost, etc.
Well-Being
Meal Prepping
Meal prepping for my family every Sunday has been a game changer (wow, I love the words game changer) for me. Not having to think about "what am I going to feed my toddler for lunch or dinner" every day is truly a peaceful mental state; I can't go back to a life where I didn't before. It sets you up for success for the busy week ahead and you also save so much money.
I also love my daily walks with my Yellow Labrador, Marlowe.
Food & Drink
This is too hard!!! My favorite Asian restaurant in the states has to be Long Grain in Camden, Maine.
Watch
Such an incredible wholesome show that is short and sweet! It gives "Parks and Rec" vibes but for educators in Philly.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Guilty pleasure teeny bopper show that I can't stop watching.
Gift
The most comfortable, bougie pajamas I've ever owned and also gifted. Makes for a great new mom present to match with their baby!
Editors Note - I think it might be helpful to share when something is a repeat recommendation. This was Ryan Salisbury’s take on Lake Pajamas:
To all my queens - these pajamas are high quality and super comfortable, and they offer a good selection of maternity sets that my wife has really appreciated with our 3 month old daughter. To my kings - these are A+ gift options, but I'm also here to tell you that the Men's Bamboo Tee has become my go-to for lounging. Mix in one of these with your regularly-scheduled Vuori / Marine Layer tees.
The cutest and most aesthetically pleasing baby products I own. I have their bib, snack box, bento box and placemat. They have lasted so long. They're mama-owned, non-toxic, bpa free, dishwasher safe- I mean, the list goes on. Makes for a great birthday gift or baby registry item!
Music
I recently saw Daniel Donato live and he was amazing!
Travel
I lived there for 3 years and met my now-husband out there. It is truly a magical place. Much more crowded than it used to be but nonetheless, the beauty still lives on. I was a concierge for a while there and planned trips for a living. I have a summer and winter itinerary on my website!
Amazon
I just organized under my kitchen sink with these stackable bins and it's astounding how much joy it gives me.
Plug
Check out my website wooedbythefood.com for recipes and Instagram @wooedbythefood for more everyday life of feeding a toddler!
Thank You, Ann!
Want to get in touch with Ann? Email her at ann@wooedbythefood.com
PS here is a song (Spotify Link) I think you’ll like for your Wednesday.
I also love naming things!! So fun.