Kelly’s Monthly Edit: June 2025 – Recipes, Style, and Mom Life Adventures

Welcome to Kelly’s Monthly Edit! Join me as I share the highlights and inspirations from my life, including favorite recipes, kitchen finds, skincare essentials, fashion recommendations, and more. This is a behind-the-scenes peek into life at Just a Taste, where I share the things I love and think you will too.

It’s time for Kelly’s Edit, where I dive into the events, activities, clothing, and food that inspired me throughout June. The biggest source of inspiration this month was a trip to Cabo San Lucas with my parents, husband, and our four children. It was truly an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, sunshine, and delicious food.

I should clarify that it was a “trip,” not a “vacation.” There’s a significant difference between the two when young children are involved. Any parent can attest to the transformation of relaxation into organized chaos once the kids enter the picture. However, the chaos is always worth it.

We enjoyed six days in Mexico, indulging in poolside guacamole, refreshing drinks, and the freshest ceviche. The experience was so enjoyable that I’m already considering dates for a return trip next year. Cabo is truly our family’s happy place, and seeing it through the kids’ eyes made it even more special.

Haircare for Postpartum Hair Loss: Solutions and Strategies

Speaking of needing a vacation, let’s discuss my postpartum hair journey. It’s been quite an adventure! I must admit, I wasn’t always fond of my thick, wavy hair. But after having four kids, I now long for those days. Pregnancy can have a significant impact on your hair.

While many people say, “Don’t worry, it’ll grow back,” I’m now almost three years past the birth of my fourth child, and I still feel like I’m sporting a haphazard, unfinished haircut. The bald spots, receding hairline, and overall thinning have been frustrating. Thankfully, I found a savior in Aleck Zajac, a talented hairstylist at Belle Sirene Salon in San Diego, CA. Aleck listened to my concerns and worked her magic to give me the natural color and blunt cut I’d been dreaming of.

Even Aleck couldn’t fully restore the hair around my temples (apparently, extensions can’t attach to extremely short hairs). However, I rely on my go-to hair filler, Madison Reed Root Touch Up Powder. It’s a total game-changer and a worthwhile investment for anyone dealing with thinning hair. It’s also one of my secret weapons for looking my best on camera, a topic I’ll be covering in more detail in The July Edit. So, stay tuned for more beauty tips and tricks!

Workout Routine: Pilates and Rucking for Fitness and Mental Wellness

In my quest to stay healthy and fit as I approach 40, I’ve incorporated pilates into my routine three times a week. It’s become more about my mental well-being than just physical fitness. It’s the only workout I’ve ever genuinely enjoyed.

I practice the Lagree method, which involves a megaformer with springs, pulleys, and bungees. It’s as challenging as it sounds, but in a strangely zen-like way. The combination of resistance and controlled movements is incredibly effective for building strength and improving flexibility.

If you follow Just a Taste on Instagram, you’ll know I’ve also become a fan of rucking. It’s a military-inspired exercise that involves low-impact cardio (walking or hiking) while wearing a weighted vest. The goal is to elevate your heart rate while enhancing endurance and strength. My top tip is to start with a vest that’s 10-15% of your body weight and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger.

I’ve encouraged several of my friends to join me, and I’m determined to start a Mother Ruckers Club for moms who carry the world on their shoulders, both literally and figuratively. All you need is a weighted vest and proof of a receding hairline to join the club!

Fashion Finds: Comfortable and Stylish Shoes for Everyday Life

My dad has always emphasized the importance of knowing your weaknesses as well as your strengths. So, before I offer any fashion advice, I want to be clear: I’m not a fashion influencer. I’m a busy mom of four who considers wearing pants with a button a special occasion. My daily uniform consists of leggings, crew socks, and the most comfortable Alo Recovery Shoes. I wear them everywhere, even during long stretches in the kitchen. (As you can see in the photo of me rucking!).

I often find fashion inspiration from the most stylish people I know: pilates instructors. Have you noticed how chic these Gen Z teachers are? I saw one instructor rocking the cutest high-top sneakers from On. Between Alo and On, these brands make up 94% of my weekly shoe choices. They’re comfortable, stylish, and Mom-approved.

Kids’ Clothing Guide: Budget-Friendly and Stylish Options

When it comes to clothing budgets, I allocate about 99.6% to my kids’ wardrobes. As a result, I often resemble Shrek, while my children look like they could star in Emily in Paris. But that’s perfectly fine with me!

While I may not be an expert in adult fashion, I consider myself a PhD in Kids’ Clothing. From affordable school clothes and summer camp outfits to high-end special occasion attire and stain-resistant activewear, I’ve got it covered. Here’s a roundup of my favorite kids’ clothing brands:

• The Best Overall Kids’ Clothing: Hanna Andersson
• The Best Kids’ Essentials Clothing: Amazon Basics
• The Best Clothing for Boys: Vineyard Vines
• The Best Clothing for Girls: Zara Kids
• The Best Bamboo Pajamas: Little Sleepies
• The Best Clothing for Arts, Crafts, and General Mayhem: Old Navy Kids, Target
• The Best Clothing to Splurge On: Janie and Jack
• The Best Clothing for Special Occasions: The Best Dressed Child, Maisonette

And the list could go on! When you’re dressing four children every day, you quickly learn to have a go-to brand for every occasion!

Delicious Recipes to Try This Summer

The Test Kitchen has been buzzing this month as we’ve developed new recipes and technique tutorials to make cooking and feeding your family a stress-free experience. Whether you are looking for quick weeknight meals or something special for the weekend, we have you covered.

Summer favorites like Classic Macaroni Salad and Strawberry Crisp have quickly gained popularity, while a new twist on Chocolate Mousse with a surprising ingredient has been a hit with taste-testers of all ages. Try these easy to follow, flavorful recipes today!

Did I mention that the chocolate mousse is actually a two-in-one dessert and doesn’t require an oven? It’s also packed with calcium and protein, with 19 grams of protein per serving. Beat the summer heat with a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

With the 4th of July approaching, be sure to explore our collection of red, white, and blue recipes. We have over a dozen desserts guaranteed to create a flavor explosion. From slice-and-bake pinwheel cookies and patriotic fruit Popsicles to star-studded cheesecake parfaits and an iconic American Flag Cookie Cake, we have something for every celebration.

As always, your feedback, questions, and suggestions for recipes or how-to guides are greatly appreciated. Feel free to reach out via email!