Hi Reader,

I hope this email finds you well! I’m so happy you’re here as part of this community of moms who are working hard to create their best lives.

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What I'm Taking Time for Right Now - Thanksgiving Prep & Giving Thanks

Can you believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner? This year has truly flown by, and as I reflect, I feel so incredibly grateful for my family, my life, and, of course, all of YOU. Your support makes what I do possible, and for that, I’m endlessly thankful.

Thanksgiving is such a special time to gather with loved ones, share a delicious meal, and make lasting memories. However, I know hosting can be overwhelming—coordinating everything so the turkey is hot, the sides are fresh, and everyone gets to eat before moving on to the next stop is no small feat! I’ve been lucky enough to escape hosting duties this year, but having done it several times before, I know just how daunting it can be.

Over the years, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson—not just for hosting, but for life in general: if something works, write it down! It’s so easy to tell yourself you’ll “just remember” the little details, but let’s face it—life is busy, and a year is a long time to recall every nuance. Thankfully, I’ve heeded my own advice and created a plan to simplify the chaos. This blog post walks you through every step, from appetizers to desserts, with recipes, timelines, and a categorized shopping list. Whether you follow it exactly or adapt it to suit your family’s traditions, I hope it helps make your Thanksgiving stress-free and enjoyable. Give it a read!

👉 Exclusive for Subscribers: Download my free Thanksgiving meal plan plus other free resources I have created over the years here.

Please feel free to share this post with friends who might need a little extra help with their holiday planning, and let me know what you think!

Meal Plan of the Week

Here is this week’s meal plan to help simplify your week! Just print out the grocery list, and you’re all set. If these meals aren’t quite what you’re looking for, you can browse my tried-and-true family favorites here. Want more tips for the rest of your meals? In my post on meal planning, I dive into how I handle breakfasts, lunches, and snacks, as well as my strategy for creating easy pantry-pull meals—quick dinners made from ingredients you already have on hand! Check it out for a stress-free approach to feeding your family.

Let's connect!

Exciting news—we’re now on Instagram and X! 🎉 If you enjoy the tips, inspiration, and support you find here, you’ll love connecting with us on social media. Give us a follow to stay up-to-date on the latest blog posts, quick tips for busy moms, and a behind-the-scenes look at Taking Time. Let’s be friends and grow this amazing community together! Find us on Instagram @takingtimeblog and on X @TakingTimeBlog. Can’t wait to see you there! ❤️​​

New on the Blog:

8 Good Morning Breakfast Ideas: What to Eat to Stay Full and Energized Eight delicious and practical breakfast ideas designed to keep you full and energized throughout the morning. It includes options for quick grab-and-go meals, hearty choices for slow mornings, and recipes that are both nutritious and satisfying for the whole family. Read article

Until next time, mamas!

I hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter. If you did, share this link with your friends so they can get in on all the goodness! I love reading your replies, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, struggles, or tips to share with other moms. We’re all in this together!

Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of love, laughter, and delicious food!

Warmly,
Shelby