make your own pasta bar + a blogging break
I’ve got a lot of feels for today’s post, so bear with me. Part of the feels comes from the excitement I have over this make your own pasta bar with alllll the yummy pasta sauces. I’ll admit it — I’m a pretty routine jarred pasta sauce buyer.
I know, I know. I’m ashamed of it. Especially because whenever I make a homemade pasta sauce and take even one bite, I do a jig in the kitchen, slap my knee and say, “By George, I should be making this all the time!” Or something to that effect (I promise I’m not so weird that I say things like “By George!” At least not often. Ahem).
ANYWAY, I’ve got not one, but three delectable sauces here — including a roasted red pepper sauce, a creamy Parmesan chive mushroom sauce and a garlic alfredo sauce, all made in the blender! — for you to choose from for your next pasta dinner. Or, if you’re in the pasta bar partying mood, you can make all three at the same time along with a big spread of cooked pastas and have your guests go crazy on adding their own sauce and toppings to their pasta bowls. Serve it all up with lots of bread and wine and by George, you’ve got a great party going. AHEM.
You can find all three easy recipes on the KitchenAid blog here!
The other part of today’s feels comes from the fact that I’ve decided to take a bit of a break from the blog. It’s been a long time coming and very, very needed, but I’m conflicted.
You see, I’ve been blogging quite regularly for nearly six years now (holy cannoli.), and except for that one time I had a baby, I haven’t taken a real break. Not even on vacation. So it’s time, it’s definitely time.
I’m only planning to be away for a month, and by “away” I mean I won’t be posting anything new here for the entirety of July (but I’ll still probably hang out a bit on Instagram, but you guys, that’s hard for me. I feel like this space has become a weekly gathering of all my favorite people (i.e., you, my dear readers) at the table with all of my favorite foods, and I’m deeply going to miss that, if even for a few weeks. But I’m finding myself so burned out, so tired, so uninspired and so hungry to live a little bit of life offline that I need some time to step back completely, re-prioritize, re-energize, relax, restore and rediscover who I am and who I want to be — for myself, for my family, for this blog and in turn, for you.
I feel my fingers going rigid even typing this post because the perfectionist in me is freaking out over the lack of routine and regularity I’m going to have by not showing up here for a while. But I have hope that this hiatus will be so good and so healthy that it’ll wash away that growing sense of dread and exhaustion and overall “meh”-ness I’ve been feeling lately whenever I open WordPress. Gah. I’m hesitant to admit that, because I don’t want you to think I’ve been a fraud over here. I haven’t been. Everything I’ve written is honest and sincere and comes from the heart, and that’s why I’m taking a break. Because that fire in the belly is dwindling and I feel like a break is the best way to get it back.
In the meantime, you can find some of my recipes to tide you over here. I’ll also be popping in on Instagram, as I mentioned, from time to time. I might even work on some recipes during this month (because who am I kidding if I think I won’t be in the kitchen because cookies) and I’ll show some sneak previews there.
Thank you all for being here. Thank you for making this my happy space. Thank you for allowing me this gift of much-needed time away. I’ll be back, promise! Until then, lots of love and carbs to you all.
Oh, that baby! I want to smooch on her. And, have you been talking to a certain girl that I know? If not, you need to. Assuming that you two could possibly get on the same wavelength at the same time. It’s amazing how alike the two of you are. You take care of yourself. You’re doing the right thing. We’ll be right here when you get back. Hugs to all of you. xoxo
Enjoy your time with your family, your baby and yourself. Summer is short here, soak up every last moment! We will all still be here when you get back. Because, those EYES! Oh my, love them up! 🙂
Avery is so adorable! I love seeing her on snapchat 🙂 you deserve this break and good for you for recognizing it!! Sometimes we are so into the routine that we forget to take a break to refocus and realign. We’ll all still be here when you get back 🙂 xoxo
I am saddened that you’re taking a blogging break so soon after I discovered your blog….but lucky me, I get to explore years worth of your recipes over the next few weeks. I can only imagine the time commitment a successful food blog requires…please enjoy the time off.
Totally relate to the fear of being out of routine, but you totally deserve a break! I know the burnt out, uninspired feeling all too well as I have just kept on blogging in the past when I was desperate for a break telling myself “I had to keep working” but it really does you good to have a break! Have a lovely time taking a break! 🙂
It’s so admirable that you know yourself and realize when is the right time to take a break. I’m sure it will be absolutely refreshing and you’ll come back inspired 🙂 I will miss you this month, you have been a huge inspiration for me since I started my blog back in January! Enjoy the break with your family.
I get it. It takes a lot to juggle the parenting and blog life at the same time. I have definitely cut back to avoid burn out. No shame! Go enjoy that cutie and your time out in the sunlight away from a computer screen! PS I’m all in for that mushroom sauce!
First off, this trio of pasta sauces are all heaven! While when I usually stick with a light olive oil sauce and loads of parmesan, that roasted garlic sauce has me intrigued!
Second, way to go to know when its time to step away! Its good for the soul and we will all still be here when you come back 🙂 Hopefully rejuvenated!
Avery is the cutest! OMG. Wishing you a very relaxing and rejuvenating July and that you really get to savor every second of it with your adorable family. Good for you for doing what you need to do to be the best you, even when it feels hard. Excited for you!!
Homeslice, you’ve said the words we are often so scared to say, and you’re doing the things we are often so scared to do – walk away, even for a short period of time. But I respect that and admire you for putting YOU, your sanity, your family and your LIFE FIRST!! I hope you, most of all, enjoy your break and I can’t wait to see you back here again reinvigorated and inspired to tackle new things in the kitchen and you can bet your biscuits I’ll be truckin’ along hanging out with you on the Snapschats and IG!!
I kind of just want to throw a big pasta party now!
Good for you taking a needed break. You will come back so much more refreshed and inspired. Plus, look at that cute face… you will get more time to enjoy her for a bit!!
By George? You made me laugh for the day. Then you made me smile with the pic of you and Elliott. THEN you made me tear up with that adorable pic of my little baby. Oh yeah, and the sauces sound wonderful too!
Love this pasta bar concept! So fun!!! Secondly, I just want to say good for you for taking a short break and enjoying life. It is so hard to be go-go-go all the time, and I can’t even imagine how much more difficult it is when you have a little one by your side.
We’ll all be here when you get back! In the meantime, enjoy the break, don’t stress, and live in the moment! 🙂
I think it is hard to remember sometimes, but we have to be kind to ourselves. I know I can be my own biggest critic, but sometimes you just have to know when to step back and give yourself a little room to breathe! Good for you for taking some time!
Enjoy your break dear, we all need one from time to time. You will be missed, but I will just make sure I do extra insta stalking to make up for you abandoning us…err.. 🙂
So proud of you for taking a break! Enjoy every single second and don’t even think twice. You’ll never look back and regret spending more time with your family. Ever. xoxo
High fives to you for taking some well deserved time off! Enjoy your summer and your family and some time offline – we’ll all be here when you get back. And I for one have plenty to explore in the archives while you’re away.
Enjoy your break! Everyone needs one from time to time and I just know you’ll be back with some amazing food inspiration 🙂
You’ll find me firmly in your camp. I have always advocated blogging whenever it suits you, not tied to a rigid schedule. After all, it is your blog! Have a wonderful July and enjoy your family (and yourself!)
1) Your baby is gorgeous, 2) I’m majorly craving pasta with ALL the sauces now, and 3) good for you! We all need a break, and I think it’s wonderful that you’re taking some time off to destress. I’m about to hit 5 years of blogging, which is crazy, and I totally respect you taking a step back when you need to! You’ll come back better than ever 🙂 have an amazing July!!
We’ll miss ya, but have fun! I know how hard you work lady, so if anyone deserves a break it’s you. And a drink, come to think of it. Treat yo’self and we’ll all be ready and waiting for you come August!
LOVE your honesty and I hope you very much enjoy this season away! Soak it up and we’ll all be here to greet you when you get back!
I think it is a FABULOUS idea. While I will miss your posts, I know that you will love the time away so you can focus on that cute baby and reenergize! I often feel myself needing the same thing–it is so hard to commit to actually doing it. Enjoy and I look forward to your return!
1-omg pasta bar!!!
2-ENJOY your break-I think we all need them sometimes even though we all have a hard time feeling ok with it. It’ll be fine though! go have some fun and enjoy that sweet little girl!
I’m all for blogging breaks whenever you need them – whatever it takes to keep the passion alive! Enjoy your time away from the computer and have a great summer with Miss A!
Love the pasta bar, and love that you’ve got the bravery to know when it’s time for a break. Don’t worry – it will be right here waiting for you. It’s kind of like going on a trip from home – it’s so good to get away, it’s so good to get back. <3
First of all: how do you have the cutest baby ever?! Secondly: pasta bar?! I need a non-stop pasta bar in my life at all times. Thirdly: Take a break!!! It’s okay, we will all still be here when you get back. Have a great month off!!
Uhhhhhh, so this is the best idea … like ever! You definitely deserve some time off! I think that we all need to step back once in a while!
Guuurrrlll, we will miss you, but YOU DO YOU. Love and hugs!!
I really hope this is not one of those one month breaks that turns into three months that turns into forever!! I really love your blog. I had tried a few recipes to make bagels, and none were quite right until I tried your french toast bagels. Now I make a batch at least once a month. I really want to try the cranberry walnut ones, too, but the french toast ones are so darn good I cannot give them up. All this is yo say enjoy your well deserved break, but please, come back soon!
Enjoy your well deserved month off! Can’t wait to see whats to come in August!
Hooray for breaks, especially in the summer, because popsicles, and especially because those baby cheeks need endless smooches. Would love to connect over the next few weeks – our kiddie pool is always open 🙂
Who wouldn’t want a break to spend time with that adorable little lady. You deserve a little freedom. Have fun and see you in August!
Liz — Yes, let’s have a kiddie pool play date, please!
I truly believe that a break is the best way to get the inspiration fire lit once again! I like to spend time journaling offline too. I am so proud of you for taking this step. May you enjoy each and every day to the fullest! We look forward to your return. 🙂
I’m so glad you are taking the time to relax, refresh and live offline. Most of us need that but barely have the courage to admit it. I am looking forward to a much needed time off as well and using the baby as an excuse to step away!
Nothing makes me want to blog more than not blogging. Go, be free! Don’t even read this! 🙂
Love the idea of a pasta bar! It’s definitely one of those “why didn’t I think of that????” ideas!
Enjoy your break. I’ve had to take a couple for various reasons and definitely found that they helped me get my groove back!
Good recipe to make my own pasta bar. but george, by for now and you still make me laugh for that.. Anyways i am also a big lover of cupcake muffins. and they looks pretty cool on 3 tier cupcake holder. Isn’t it ?
Love this pasta bar, such a great idea! I’m so glad you are going to be taking some much needed time off. Avery is absolutely adorable – enjoy all those sweet smooches and precious time with her 🙂
You will be (are!) missed, but a break is much deserved and I hope it’s wonderful spending some work-free time with your family!
Your little sweetie pie is so cute! ENJOY your time off – everyone needs it and it’s definitely well deserved!
Oh I get that feel totally! Your giving us all 100% along with the rest of the wonderful ones in your life so YES take a break already! Lake it up! Love on that beautiful babe of yours, enjoy some sunsets and sunrises, drink some great wine, sit by some fires and toast marshmallows……..and feel the sun on your beautiful face.
Really.
We will be here when you are ready to come back :).
Hugs!
Your little girl is absolutely adorable and this pasta bar theme is such a GREAT idea!!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Such an adorable kid! I love the haircut, very hipster:)
I am glad you ditched the jar and went for some serious sauces:)