"From sleepless nights to cozy dinners 🥘"

Hey friend,

This Thanksgiving was one for the books—and not because everything went smoothly. It was messy, sweet, exhausting, funny, and so full of family… the best kind of holiday.

We spent Thursday with my husband's side of the family. Dinner was wonderful, and after we ate, my husband's cousin—who's also pregnant and due right around the same time as me—came over to help me put up Christmas decorations. Charlie was having trouble going to sleep. I'd sooth him between stringing lights and trimming garland, while she kept working beside me with a Hallmark movie playing softly in the background. It was chaotic and cozy all at once, and honestly such a sweet time.

Friday morning we packed up and headed to my side of the family. The food? Amazing. The company? Cozy. And then Friday night hit. Oh boy. Charlie woke up at 12:30 a.m. and did not fall back asleep until 4:30 a.m. I cried. He cried. Andy stayed strong. lol. It was a night. But the next night he slept straight through (praise the Lord), and we ended up getting snowed in before finally making it home Sunday evening.

It was a sweet time over all —and we have so much to be thankful for. Shout out to my sister Julie and her husband for hosting all of us crazies!

🍄 Featured Recipe

Cozy Paleo Beef Stroganoff

Serves 4–6 | Creamy, hearty, dairy-free comfort

This paleo-style stroganoff gives you everything you want from the classic—tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a silky sauce—without any dairy or heaviness. Coconut milk and broth give it that rich texture, and it's perfect served over mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or gluten-free noodles.

Why it's perfect this week: comforting, rich, wholesome, great leftover flavor, and simple enough for busy weeknights.

📅 Weekly Meal Ideas

MondayPaleo Beef Stroganoff → Recipe

TuesdayChicken Taco Bowls → Recipe

WednesdayCreamy Chicken Orzo Soup → Recipe

ThursdayHoney Mustard Chicken & Veggies Sheet Pan → Recipe

FridayHomemade Pizza Bar with all the toppings

SaturdayUnstuffed Bell Peppers Skillet → Recipe

SundayBaked Lemon Garlic Salmon + Roasted Potatoes & Green Beans → Recipe

🍪 Quick Snack of the Week

Almond Butter Energy Bites

Simple, no-bake, freezer-friendly, and toddler-approved.

• 1 cup oats

• ½ cup almond butter

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

• Pinch of salt

Mix → roll into balls → chill → enjoy

💡 Time-Saving Tip

Pre-chop veggies for the next 48 hours only. This prevents soggy produce and keeps everything crisp and ready for fast meals.

🌾 What's in Season

Fruits

Apples, pears, cranberries, pomegranates, oranges, clementines, grapefruit

Vegetables

Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, acorn squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, carrots, beets, onions, parsnips

Until next week,
Cara