Is anyone else concerned that all these new recommendations are suggesting LESS—not more—cancer screening for women?

Here's the gist of the new guidelines for cervical cancer screening:

• Women should delay their first Pap test until age 21, and be screened less often than recommended in the past.

• Women 30 and older who have three consecutive Pap tests that were normal, and who have no history of seriously abnormal findings, can stretch the interval between screenings to three years.

• Women who have a total hysterectomy, and who had no severe abnormalities on previous Pap tests, can quit having the tests entirely.

• The guidelines also say that women can stop having Pap tests between 65 and 70 if they have three or more negative tests in a row and no abnormal test results in the last 10 years.

The changes do not apply to women with certain health problems that could make them more prone to aggressive cervical cancer.

A chairwoman from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists insists that the timing of the new guidelines—so close to the new mammogram guidelines—is purely coincidental. (Interesting to note, the group opposes the new mammogram advice.)

The reason for the changes? There is potential for harm from the overuse of Pap tests. Specifically, procedures to remove abnormalities in the cervix (which could go away if left alone) can actually injure the cervix and lead to problems later when a woman becomes pregnant, including premature birth and an increased risk of needing a C-section. As such, groups including the American Cancer Society have actually suggested similar changes to the recommendations for years.

What do you think of these new guidelines? Do you plan on asking your doctor about them?

Related Posts:

New Mammogram Advice Upsets Women Everywhere

New Breast Cancer Advice: Skip Mammograms in 40s and Breast Self-Exams Altogether

[slideshow id="6"]

Photo by All4my3boys

When one of my friends was deciding on names, she knew if the baby was a girl she would have a nature-inspired name, but if it was a boy he would be named after a musician. 

She ended up having a girl and named her Summer. But Cash, after Johnny Cash, was the front-runner if she had a boy.

I wanted to "steal" the name for my boy, but my husband had other ideas.

Cash feels like an outlaw cowboy name to me -- I love it. But I do think of the Walk the Line singer and not about cash money.

Feels like a strong name, very masculine.

Jessica Alba's man's name is Cash Warren.

What do you think of the name Cash for a boy?

Related posts:

Baby Name of the Week: Jace

Baby Name Finder

Does Your Little One Have a Cool Name?

See this video at CafeMom.

Every year growing up, I'd wake up early and, as my mom prepared Thanksgiving dinner, I'd sit in front of the TV and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

This year, for the first time, I'm actually staying in New York instead of flying to my hometown in Tennessee and will be checking out the famous parade in person (very excited!).

Though the balloon characters have changed (Charlie Brown for Dora the Explorer), I still get all nostalgic when I think about the parade.

Do you and your kids watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on Thanksgiving morning? What's your favorite balloon or float?

Related posts:

Snoopy Who? Classic Cartoons and a New TV Generation

What Are Your Family's Holiday Traditions?

Like last night when I told him to go to his room after he batted his sister in the head with a light saber and he matter-of-factly said, "No. No, thank you, not happening," cloaked in that irritating 6 year old attitude of his ...

But I can't imagine I would ever really do that ... or even ask a police officer to!

An Arkansas mom did! Last week, on Veteran's Day, she called police after her 11 year old daughter refused to take a shower. She gave the responding officer permission to "tase" the unruly girl if necessary, according to a report in the Huffington Post.

The officer did tase the 11 year old girl -- a quick pop on her back -- but only after the girl kicked him in the groin when he tried to take her into custody.

Now the cop is in big trouble, not for tasing the girl but for not having a video camera attached to the taser when he did it. Some departmental rule, I guess, but perhaps it happened so fast he didn't have time. Now he's suspended for seven days without pay.

See this poll at CafeMom.

Police say tasers are a safe way to subdue people who are a danger to themselves or others. Would you ever give permission to use a taser on your child if they were a real danger?

Related posts:

Bullied to Death

Would You Buy and Carry One of These?

Photo by PrinceEdsmommy

November is Prematurity Awareness Month and I just learned of a test that can predict a woman's risk for preterm birth -- it's called fetal fibronectin testing (fFN Test) and it's similar to getting a Pap test.

I've never been more aware of preterm birth than I am right now -- I'm in the high risk category since I'm having twins. But I'm just about 34 weeks pregnant now, so I'm in a good place. But what about others with risk factors? Who is at risk?

The March of Dimes and The Institute of Medicine offered up some factors on who is at risk for preterm birth.

•  Women who have had a previous preterm birth.
• Those who are pregnant with multiple babies.
• Women with a short cervix.
• Late or no prenatal care.
• High blood pressure, diabetes, clotting disorders, being underweight before pregnancy, obesity, or other chronic health problems in the mother
• Certain infections during pregnancy.
• Domestic violence, including physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• Lack of social support and stress.
• Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, or illicit drug use during pregnancy.

The study says that the "presence of fetal fibronectin is the single strongest independent predictor of preterm birth at less than 32 weeks." And the test can be done right in a doctor's office, usually at around 22 weeks.

For more information on preterm birth, visit www.marchofdimes.com. Both patients and physicians can learn more about fetal fibronectin testing at www.fullterm.net.

Would you get tested to learn your chances of preterm birth?

Related posts:

Born at 28 Weeks: A CafeMom Preemie Story

Born at 28 Weeks: Preemie Story Part 2

Do We Have Too Many Tests When Pregnant?

Photo by sstepph

In Baby of the Week I ask moms to guess what their little ones to be when they grow up based on their curent personalities. Some of the answers are pretty funny!

Moms in the Babies group are having a similar chat -- here are some of their best guesses as to what baby will be when he grows up:

-- I could see my son doing something with music because he loves to play the drums. I think my daughter will be a good actress because she is such a drama queen.

-- My husband and I own a barbershop and I like to think that someday he will take over the family business. We both joke that he will be a famous baseball or football player and take care of us.

-- My son is 4 months old and goes into a trance with football or SportsCenter is on, so I'm thinking a quarterback or announcer.

-- My 1 year old is very calm and relaxed and only impatient when you don't have a drink right there waiting for her after she is finished eating. So I say a teacher who is a joy to have, but knows what she wants when she wants it and watch out, here she comes :)

Click into the Babies post for more guesses about baby's future career.

What will your baby do for a job or career when he's all grown up?

Related posts:

Baby of the Week: Sophia

Baby of the Week: Aurora

This Week's Confession:

I accidentally left my toddler at church. I thought my mom had her, my mom thought I had her, so she was left. The people at church watched her but I felt so bad! — anonymous

See this poll at CafeMom.

We all have secrets -- so thanks to this brave mom for sharing her honest thoughts, and thank you for keeping this conversation non-judgmental!

Do you have a Mom Confession you want to share? PM me. We can share your confession with your CafeMom screenname or anonymously.

Past Confessions:

I Skip Bathtime If I'm Too Tired

I Let My Toddler Watch Too Much TV

I've Given My Child Benadryl for Early Bedtime

My Kids Sleep Alone in the Car

I'm Afraid My Husband is Going to Die

I Don't Like Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

I Have a Family, But I'm Lonely

I Lie and Say I'm "Working" to Avoid Playing

I Let My Son Fall Asleep to DVDs

I Don't Shield My Kids' Eyes from Nudity

I Use Housecleaning to Avoid Playing With My Kids

I Am Not a Fun Mom

I Don't Set Up Play Dates for My Kids

I Wish I Had a Fulfilling Career Outside the Home

I Use My Kid's Flushable Toilet Wipes

I'm Going to Disney Without My Children

I Bribe My Children

I Hate Reading Children's Books

I Sleep Naked With My Toddler

I Hate My Neighbor's Kid

I Don't Like to Play

I Sleep While My Kid Is Up

My Kid Watches TV Up Close

I Let My Toddler Play Outside Alone

I Turn My Kids Over to A Mom I Just Met

My Toddler Wears Crude T-Shirts

I Let My Toddlers Climb Play Equipment Unassisted

My Kids Go to Sleep After Midnight

I Let My Toddlers Go Naked in Public

I Throw Away My Kid's Artwork

I Paid $22 for My Son's Haircut

My Toddlers Eat Pizza for Breakfast

I'm Dying My Toddler's Hair

I Leave My Toddler Alone in the Bath

Our Children Aren't Invited to Our Wedding

I Scold Other People's Kids

I'm on Vacation, But My Kid Is Still Going to Day Care

I Favor My Older Child

I Let My Toddler Eat Food Before Paying for It

I Find Excuses to Send My Kids to Bed Early

Photo from IMDB

What is it about Twilight? What makes middle-aged women swoon over this teenage romance?

For me, it's the perfect combination of romance and fantasy. Other CafeMoms weigh in on why they love Twilight:

sweetheart1985: I love Stephanie Meyer's writing style. Call me childish, but I do! I love being inside Bella's head. You really feel what she's feeling. And in a way, I think most women can relate to her. We've all had that ONE guy that we just wanted so much when we were teenagers. For most of us, that didn't happen (lol), so it's awesome to read about it happening.

wildflowers25: I love the new spin put on something I thought had nothing new left anymore. The forbidden love and romance aspect really got me hooked but also the feud between the vampires and wolves and how I didn't always know what would happen next.

daisycat78: Forbidden love isn't it? Being with someone you're not meant to is sexy!It's dangerous!

kenzie07:  I love the dialogue in the Twilight books. It's not like an author just describing a set of characters and everything in the environment, it's actually dialogue and an exciting story! I can visualize every detail without Stephanie Meyer writing all of her descriptives on a page.

AMom29: I loved it because I connected with Bella. I remembered all those feelings from being a teenager in lust/love. It remindsme of a simpler time where all I had to worry about is if the guy liked me back or not.

Twilightmoon: I love Twilight because of the story behind it. It has kept me going through family illnesses and losses. Seeing Bella go through heartbreak but find her way back to her true love gave me some hope. It is the first book(s) that I actually see myself there as I read.

And since it's a favorite amongst moms and their teenage daughters, I wonder if the reasoning behind the "obsessions" are the same for both groups? Cafe Cynthia is exploring why your teens love Twilight in Big Kids on Sunday, be sure to check it out!

So tell me, why do you love Twilight?

Related posts:

Spotlight: CafeMom Twilight Group Parties!

Casting of Twilight: Do You Think It's Perfect?

You Know You're a Twilight Fan If...

Ideas for a Twilight-Themed Party

Team Edward or Team Jacob

Photo of Me and Robert Pattinson

Here's a gorgeous spin on the natural Thanksgiving centerpiece from Kayte Terry at CraftStylish. Swoon! Those fabric leaves and those wool-stuffed acorns. OMG, love.

Check out Kayte's craft tutorial for this project and DIY some modern au naturale centerpieces for your Thanksgiving table.

Are you working on anything special for your Thanksgiving table?

Related posts:

Easy DIY Thanksgiving Centerpieces alá Nature

10 Tips for a Greener Thanksgiving Table

3 Simple Thanksgiving Crafts for Toddlers

Gratitude Cranes: A Pretty Thanksgiving Tradition

Photo From Obsessed With Baking

Steph from Obsessed With Baking is Team Edward. But I'll forgive her because she made these amazing Werewolf Cupcakes in celebration of the New Moon release.

Check out Steph's beautiful blog for the how-to.

I'm seeing New Moon this weekend, are you?

Related Posts:

New Moon Movie Review

Spotlight: CafeMom Twilight Group Parties!

You Know You're a Twilight Fan If...

Photo by Topshop

Supermodel Kate Moss is being criticized by eating disorder experts after she told fashion site WWD in an interview that her motto is "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."

When asked in the WWD interview if she had a motto, Moss, who is famous for her skinny, waif-like look, responded:

There are loads. There’s “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” That’s one of them. You try and remember, but it never works.

Eating disorder experts, as well as models campaigning to stop the use of "Size 0" models in the fashion industry, criticized Moss' comment because the same motto is posted on Web sites encouraging girls not to eat.

Do you think people are being too hard on Kate Moss? Or do you think comments like these make it more difficult for people struggling with eating disorders and body image issues?

Related Posts:

Plus-Size Model Stirs Up the Runway in London's Fashion Week

Why Is 'Glamour' Applauded for Having One Real Woman When CafeMom Has So Many?

Plus Size Women Can Wear Form Fitting Clothes

Photo by Shinde-Kudasai

This recent news story about a toddler boy who helped his mom deliver his baby brother completely blows my mind.

I can't even get my 3-year old to sit up to the table for dinner, let alone assist in childbirth!

In summary, Babbye Favazza of Tennessee was scheduled for an early December C-section but went into labor at home early. With emergency services on the way, Favazza's water broke and the baby boy began to make his arrival.

Big brother Jeremiha, age 2, got his mom a towel without being asked and, when his baby brother Kamron made his quick 2-3 minute arrival into the world, Jeremiha actually caught him.

Both mother and baby Kamron are doing fine.

Way to go, little Jeremiha! You're a total super star!

Does your toddler work well under pressure?

Related posts:

Odd News -- 3 Year Old Smokers and Artists

Genius Toddler Joins Mensa

6-Year-Old Painting Prodigy

Photo by serialmommy

My back never hurt more than when my kids were babies and I had to pick them up all the time.

Mr. Bad Back himself, my husband, constantly scolded me: "Stop bending over; lift with your legs!"

It's one of those tasks, those parts of motherhood that seems so natural and basic that you don't even stop to think about whether you are doing it correctly. But you should definitely think about it, trust me.

Here are some back-safe reminders when picking up babies and small children:

Do ...

Maintain a wide base of support with your feet.

Bend your knees before lifting your child.

Hug your child close to your body as you lift.

Keep your head and neck up as you lift.

Don't ...

Lift with your feet close together.

Lift and reach with your knees straight and your back overstretched.

Lift with your arms extended straight or reaching far away from  your body.

Look down to the floor as you lift.

How is your baby-mama back feeling lately?

Related posts:

Infant Car Seat Carrying Tips

Lots of CafeMoms love Twilight as much -- or even more! -- than their kids and have been making plans for today for a while. I hope you were lucky enough to get a ticket for tonight or this weekend. Will your tween or teen be joining you?

See this poll at CafeMom.

Are your children excited to see New Moon? How long have they been talking about it?

Related posts:

Photo of Me and Robert Pattinson

You Know You're a Twilight Fan If ...

Photo From Martha Stewart

Remember a few weeks back when I was freaking out about making Thanksgiving dinner for my whole family and, more specifically, the stuffing?

Well, since then I've been trying recipes, and I think I found my favorite: Cranberry-Cornbread Stuffing (using the Skillet Cornbread I made earlier this week). It's a Martha Stewart recipe, but I've added a special, secret ingredient.

From all your comments on my earlier post (thank you!), it seemed like sausage in stuffing is the way to go. And, Mr. Cafe Kim enthusiastically agreed. So, I added a tiny bit of spicy Kielbasa to this recipe, and it was heavenly.

And now that I have the stuffing out of the way, I can concentrate on more important things—like the turkey!

Cranberry-Cornbread Stuffing by Martha Stewart

8 ounces (2 cups) pecans

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter

3 large onions, cut into 1/4-inch dice

6 stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice

1/4 cup dried oregano

Skillet cornbread

1 loaf day-old white bread, crust on, cut into 1-inch cubes (10 heaping cups)

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups dried cranberries

1 cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (1 large bunch)

1 tablespoon coarse salt

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 quart chicken stock

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven until golden and fragrant, 8 to 12 minutes, tossing occasionally. Let cool, then roughly chop; set aside.

Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions and celery; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add oregano; stir to combine.

Transfer onion mixture to a large bowl. Add pecans, cornbread, bread cubes, eggs, cranberries, parsley, salt, black pepper, cayenne, Seasoning, and stock, mix to combine. Cook stuffing in a turkey or buttered baking dish (35 mintues covered at 375; removed foil and bake additional 10-20 minutes). 

Which dish are you most looking forward to on Thanksgiving?

Related Posts:

Skillet Cornbread With Sage and Honey...Yum! 

Stuffing: How Do You Make It?

Cranberry Sauce: Take It or Leave It?

Photo from Gap

These Gap ads are everywhere, you know the commercial where they are singing and dancing around and everyone looks all festive yet still casual? Then there's the magazine ad where I think the models are positioned in the shape of a snowflake or something?

Sigh. This ruffle plaid shirt.

Sigh. The marketing apparently works because I really really want one.

Making my wish list is the Ruffle Front Buffalo Plaid Shirt ($49.50) in red and black, but they also have it in blue/black and black/white.

I'd have to wear it open over a long tank top since I'm about to have my twins any day now, but it's so cute buttoned up with jeans.

Oh it's like being a girly Lumberjane -- too cute. 

Have you seen those ads? Do they make you want this shirt, too? What would you wear it with?

Related posts:

Mad for Plaid: I Love the Lumberjane Look

Weekly Want: Plaid Coat

 How to Mix Prints

Photo by SusanBerkley

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the speedy month of December are right around the corner.

It's true. In less than a week, you're going to be lounging on the couch after Thanksgiving dinner, and some grandma or uncle or cousin is going to say, "Soooo, what's on the kids' wish list this year?"

Ugh, is it really time to think about the holidays, let alone start shopping?

Why, yes, yes it is...

The Friday after Thanksgiving, November 27th this year, is known as Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year and the day when most retailers kick off their first burst of holiday deals.

And now, with the growing popularity of online shopping, Cyber Monday — on November 30th this year — is also becoming wildly popular.

Of course, if you still need a little time, there is also Free Shipping Day a little later, Thursday, December 17th this year, on which day participating merchants offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve.

But maybe you're kicking off an eco-friendly, frugalista, or an "I'm flat broke" holiday season. Well, in that case, the folks over at the Mother Nature Network suggest celebrating Black Friday as Buy Nothing Day. Instead of shopping with all your might, REDUCE your buying and start thinking of creative ways to REUSE and RECYCLE for the upcoming season.

Will you take part in Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and/or Free Shipping Day, or will you be celebrating Buy Nothing Day? Shoppers, what deals are you after this year? Tell us your secret plan of attack.

Some helpful links:

Black Friday sale ads

Cyber Monday deals

Free Shipping Day participants

The Best Black Friday Phone Applications

Related posts:

Do you go out for Black Friday?

Black Friday Virgin...Any Suggestions???

Anyone NOT going to the Black Friday sales?

Photo by Emmy_Dollface

My first trimester I was amazed at my growing belly. It's funny...looking back at it  now it was so small! I had terrible morning sickness all day, but was still was thrilled to be carrying twins.

Second trimester had some ups and downs, but there was a point where I felt so great, so healthy, and pretty, sporting a cute bump.

Now I'm in my third trimester and hello heartburn, edema, carpal tunnel, and tons of crankiness. I'm almost ready to scream, Get these babies out of me!!

I don't feel like that all the time. I really do think I will miss my massive twin bump, but I'm getting to the point where all the things that hurt are hurting a bit too much. I'm almost at 35 weeks and two weeks ago the doctor told me that I am measuring like a woman at 41 weeks with one baby. Makes sense.

My friend and I were talking about this "get this baby out of me" feeling and she brought up a good point. Maybe it's our bodies preparing us for labor and delivery, to not be scared, to embrace that time when the little life or lives will no longer live in the security of our womb, but out in this world beside us.

Kind of beautiful how our bodies work, isn't it?

Have you had moments where you said or thought: Get this baby out of me!?

Related posts:

Biggest Pregnancy Fears

Did You Go Past Your Due Date?

Depression During Pregnancy

How Did You Announce Your Baby's Arrival?

See this video at CafeMom.

Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart's chemistry was amazing. I am a self-proclaimed Team Edward, but after seeing Jacob's character come to life, my heart did a little swaying. And I also had difficulty paying attention thanks to Taylor's perfect body (I kept having to remind myself not to be a perv...the kid is, what, 17?).

Yes, Taylor, you're sorta beautiful.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen's interaction was mediocre...a tad above Twilight but that may have had something to do with the absence of Edward throughout the majority of the story. Is it just me or do the characters just seem so much more passionate in the books?

The CGI wolves kept the action intense and when it came time for the Volturi to make their debut, Michael Sheen put on a fantastic performance as Aro...exactly how I pictured the royal vampire while reading the books.

In my opinion, I thought the film was fantastic. It definitely held up to the hype.

Have you seen New Moon yet? If so, tell me what you thought of it!

Related posts:

Spotlight: CafeMom Twilight Group Parties!

Casting of Twilight: Do You Think It's Perfect?

You Know You're a Twilight Fan If...

Ideas for a Twilight-Themed Party

Team Edward or Team Jacob

Photo of Me and Robert Pattinson

Photo by IsabelsMommy

Baby clothes today are so adorable. I often say I wish they made certain articles in adult sizes. I would totally wear them. Like the new Stella McCartney line for Gap -- scrumptious! I think footed cashmere pants for adults are a great idea, but I wonder if I'd still be able to get my spiked-heel boots on, hmm ...

Blue jeans were the one type of clothing that I could never stand putting on my kids as babies. Stiff blue jeans and soft babies don't mix. Boy, oh, boy, I know plenty of you disagree with me -- they did over in a post I left in Babies.

Let me explain, I love the way babies LOOK in jeans, I just found them inconvenient and not functional when you figure frequent diaper changes, crawling and naps into the equasion. I also hated button-down shirts. Cute, YES! Great for pictures. Just too much work when you have squirmers like mine.

What are some of the other types of baby clothing that makes no sense on an infant? Oh, aren't you glad you asked ...

Overalls

expectantmom81: "I can't stand the overalls with no snaps in the crotch. I have a couple pairs and they just annoy me. I also can't stand the one-piece outfits that you can't just put on over the head or slip in by the feet. I have some that go on awkward and you have to kinda squeeze them into the middle of it."

Outfits with Buttons

carterscutie85: "I hate the outfits that have the buttons that make it hard to figure out where you are supposed to snap them. I was given one outfit for my son and gave up on it because it was too confusing."

Dresses

treehugger823: "Dresses on a baby that can't walk yet are completely pointless and annoying. They are either laying down on their dress and it gets all up around their armpits from them squirming, or, if the baby crawls, they get the dress caught under their knees and they get stuck or fall over and get frustrated and cry."

Big Collars

ErinHill226: "I hate infant shirts with big collars. I got so many at my showers, and I would let my daughter wear one once for a picture and then never again. They never stay down, always ended up right against her face. I have a general rule that if it looks or feels like it would get on my nerves, I don't make DD wear it!"

Other moms in Babies complained about overalls, rompers and character clothing. Check out the discussion on annoying baby clothes ...

BTW, some moms don't think I'm wrong about the jeans. They say:

-- The legs are too short or the waist is too big. I can't seem to find a happy medium.

-- I hate the ones that button all the way. It is hard to get my little one to stay still.

-- They seem to cut into her waist when she sits up.

Now it's your turn to sound off. The most annoying, that-designer-should-be-shot type of baby clothing is ...

Related posts:

6 Ways to Save Money on Baby Clothes

Repurposing Baby Items

Photo by lilysmommy8503

Every year for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, my mom would dress my sister and I up in what she called our "special holiday dresses."

Oh how I hated that. I was such a little tomboy and the idea of putting on itchy tights and a bow that never stayed in place made me quite the holiday Grinch (at least until it was time to eat Thanksgiving dinner or open presents). 

However, looking back at family holiday photos, my sister and I did look pretty darn cute, and I now understand why my mom tortured us insisted that we dress up.

I mean, just look at this photo from Celeb Baby and lilysmommy8503's picture...how great do those kids look?

Do you make your kids dress up for the holidays?

Related posts:

What's Your Baby Wearing for the Holidays?

Do You Dress Up for the Holidays?

Photo From Food Network

Today I interviewed the Food Network's Sandra Lee about last-minute Thanksgiving tips (more on that later). I asked her which dishes are best to make BEFORE T-Day. Here's what she suggested...

• Pies (especially apple and pumpkin) can be made in advance, covered, and stored in the refrigerator.

• Sweet potatoes can also be made before the big day. Just be sure not to add the marshmallow topping (if using) until the day of.

• Turkey, stuffing, and gravy should all be made the day of. Same thing goes with mashed potatoes and fresh veggies.

In addition to this list, I'm planning on making cranberry sauce, soup, bread dough (for rolls), and relish tray in advance. I'm also going to chop and prepare all the ingredients I need for the stuffing ahead of time, so that it's ready to go in the turkey on Thanksgiving.

(Um, wow. Just realizing how much I have left to do...I digress...)

Sandra also suggested organizing your refrigerator ahead of time. She said she organizes the food in her fridge by 1/8th sections (each section is a different dish), so that she is ready to go and stress-free on Thanksgiving.

One-eighth sections...can you even imagine? This is why I adore Sandra! I would never think to be so perfect and organized.

For even more ideas of dishes to prepare before Thanksgiving, check out The Minimalist's 101 Head Starts on the Day.

Do you agree with Sandra suggestions? Which Thanksgiving dishes do you make ahead of time?

Related Posts:

Skillet Cornbread With Sage and Honey...Yum! 

Cute Thanksgiving Cookies Made From Keebler Fudge Stripes! 

Stuffing: How Do You Make It?

So that next time I ordered my turkey and cheddar on whole wheat, I instead asked for grilled turkey and cheddar so the heat would kill off any listeriosis.

WebMD says that all lunch meats should be avoided and this includes "ham, turkey, bologna, and salami -- unless they have been reheated until steaming hot."

Listeria is a bacteria that can cause food-borne illness, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or other serious health problems.

And while I know women who ate salami, sushi, and even drank wine during pregnancy without any consequences, I have made all my cold cuts hot during my pregnancy just to be on the safe side.

Are you concerned with eating cold cuts during pregnancy?

(This is general mom advice and experience, but definitely check with your own health professional with any questions while pregnant.)

Related posts:

Craving the Pregnancy No No Foods

Eating Alfalfa Sprouts: Is It Safe?

Using Artificial Sweeteners During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?