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35 Classic Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Still need to plan your Thanksgiving menu? If you're looking for inspiration, then check out this fantastic round-up Classic Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes on Taste As You Go! You know how some people get really excited about the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks? That's how excited I get about turning the calendar over to November. Because November means the coming of the holiday season and the celebration of Thanksgiving. As much as we look forward to spending the day in the company of loved ones, Stephen and I have decided to stay home this year so we can enjoy our first Thanksgiving as a family of three. Of course, staying home means that I'll be cooking the big meal, and I have to admit that I'm a little intimidated by the idea. I know I have to plan for certain must-haves -- roast turkey, apple chestnut stuffing , and green bean casserole -- but I'm having a hard time choosing which additional side dishes to make. While I want there t

How To: Make and Freeze Homemade Baby Food {Pea Purée}

When introducing green vegetables into your baby's diet, consider starting with peas. They have a mild flavor, are an excellent source of fiber, and can help maintain a healthy digestive tract.

How To: Make and Freeze Homemade Baby Food {Pea Purée} | Taste As You Go

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It's finally starting to feel like spring here. With warmer temps and sunny skies, how could I not make more of an effort to get out of the house with our sweet girl?

Of course, more outings mean more juggling. I'm adjusting to a new normal again. And now that I have less "free time," my to-do lists go through several revisions over the course of the day.

It's become crucial for me to reserve a little bit of energy so I can have a productive "second shift." Once she's down for the night, I can do work for clients, write a new blog post, or take care of volunteer work.

Days (and nights) can feel long. And there are times when it feels like I'm trying to do everything while wading through the mud.

Frozen Peas | Taste As You Go

Am I getting better about finding balance? Yes.

Am I improving my multitasking game? You betcha.

Am I happy with the state of things? Well, I wouldn't exactly say that...

Bowl of Peas | Taste As You Go

I've learned that no decision I make is free of guilt.

When I'm focusing my attention and energy on our sweet girl, I feel guilty about not working. When I'm working, I feel guilty about not spending that time with her. It's a vicious cycle that many parents -- not just the moms! -- know all too well.

Peas in Food Processor | Taste As You Go

But I'm working on this, too.

I just have to be better at reminding myself that, right now, I'm a stay-at-home mom who also works for herself. I have priorities that demand a lot from me, all day long, so I have to go a little easier on myself.

Homemade Baby Food {Pea Purée} | Taste As You Go

Case in point:

I woke up early yesterday afternoon to meet a potential client for coffee. While I was stuck in traffic, I started feeling guilty about doing something to address my needs.

Did focusing on growing my client list so I could land more work and bring in more money mean that I wasn't being a good mom?

How To: Make and Freeze Homemade Baby Food {Pea Purée} | Taste As You Go

As fate would have it, I came across this article when I got home from my meeting. Even though it wasn't talking about my current form of "mom guilt," this particular passage hit home:
"... I’m a good mom because I agonize over whether I’m doing it right. I’m a good mom because I asked the question in the first place."
Our sweet girl's face lights up when she sees me. She'll start babbling right away, almost as if she's filling me in on what I missed. She'll start clapping to get my attention and then giggle like crazy when I look at her.

How To: Make and Freeze Homemade Baby Food {Pea Purée} | Taste As You Go

She's happy.

She's healthy.

So, despite the guilt, I must be doing something right.


How To: Use Pea Purée

What if you make and/or freeze a batch of pea purée and your baby decides he/she doesn't like it anymore? If you're left with a whole lot of pea purée in your freezer, here are some ways to use it up:

Need more homemade baby food recipes? Try these:

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One year agoMenu Plan: April 19 - April 25
Two years agoMenu Plan: April 21 - April 26
Three years agoMenu Plan: April 21 - April 27
Four years agoBolete Restaurant and Inn - Bethlehem, PA
Five years agoSomething Lacking at South Gate
Six years agoFeatured Friday, Volume 1.4
Seven years agoFiery Pomegranate Sauce

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